I Am Sam Poster
28
metacriticBased on 33 Critics
67
Based on 85 Users

Release Date: January 25th, 2002

DVD Release Date: June 18th, 2002

PG-13|2 hr 12 min

Plot Summary
"I Am Sam" is the compelling story of Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a mentally-challenged father raising his daughter Lucy (Dakota Fanning) with the help of a unique group of friends. As Lucy turns seven and begins to intellectually surpass her father, their close bond is threatened when their unconventional living arrangement comes to the attention of a social worker who wants Lucy placed in foster care.

Cast: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Dianne Wiest, Loretta Devine, Richard Schiff, Laura Dern, Brad Silverman

Director: Jessie Nelson

Genres: Drama

Production Co: New Line Cinema, Bedford Falls Productions, Avery Pix

Distributors: New Line Cinema

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Ratings & Reviews

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  • 75
    Mick LaSalleSan Francisco Chronicle

    Not about the justice or injustice of the legal system. Rather it's about the tragedy of Sam's predicament. show more

  • 38
    Carrie RickeyPhiladelphia Inquirer

    The film's one realistic performance is that of Dakota Fanning as Lucy, whose child's shame, fear and resourcefulness ground the movie in recognizable behavior. She breathes air into this suffocating enterprise.

  • 75
    Lou LumenickNew York Post

    Penn makes us take the leap required by Kristine Johnson and Jessie Nelson's screenplay -- you end up deeply caring about Sam and Lucy. show more

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