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The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

Play trailer Poster for The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio PG-13 2005 1h 39m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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59% Tomatometer 83 Reviews 74% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
Evelyn Ryan (Julianne Moore) suffers in her marriage to Kelly (Woody Harrelson), a slovenly alcoholic whose only consistent quality is his utter lack of respect for her. As Evelyn struggles to make ends meet and care for their 10 children, she begins to turn to contests as a source of entertainment and much-needed income. To the amazement of her friends and family, Evelyn's quick wit leads her to pen prizewinning amateur jingles and one-liners for products all across the spectrum.
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The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

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Critics Consensus

Noteworthy for Julianne Moore's performance, Prize Winner is nonetheless a largely indistinct and tentative film that fails to convey the true power of its bittersweet tale.

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Critics Reviews

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J. R. Jones Chicago Reader Jun 28, 2022
This screen adaptation never quite jells, veering from family drama to stale 50s consumer kitsch. Go to Full Review Steven D. Greydanus Decent Films Apr 12, 2006
B+
[Offers] an almost subversively idealistic subtext to a now-familiar ritual exposé of the American dream. Go to Full Review Bob Longino Atlanta Journal-Constitution Nov 10, 2005
C+
It makes for a nice Mother's Day card. But not enough for a complete movie. Go to Full Review Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) Aug 25, 2020
It's a charming book and the movie is also good led by Julianne Moore's good performance Go to Full Review Tara Thorne The Coast (Halifax, Nova Scotia) Jul 11, 2016
If you don't already know that Julianne Moore is one of our greatest living actors, this underseen film will prove it to you, as she takes a potential simp... and makes her dignified and inspiring. Go to Full Review Prairie Miller WBAI Web Radio Feb 10, 2007
Defiance, Where? Female Compliance Behind and Before The Camera Go to Full Review Read all reviews
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

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Cast & Crew

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Jane Anderson

Director

Julianne Moore

Evelyn Ryan

Woody Harrelson

Leo "Kelly" Ryan

Laura Dern

Dortha Schaefer

Trevor Morgan

Bruce

Ellary Porterfield

Tuff Ryan at 13, 16 & 18 yrs

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The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

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The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

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Movie Info

Synopsis Evelyn Ryan (Julianne Moore) suffers in her marriage to Kelly (Woody Harrelson), a slovenly alcoholic whose only consistent quality is his utter lack of respect for her. As Evelyn struggles to make ends meet and care for their 10 children, she begins to turn to contests as a source of entertainment and much-needed income. To the amazement of her friends and family, Evelyn's quick wit leads her to pen prizewinning amateur jingles and one-liners for products all across the spectrum.
Director
Jane Anderson
Producer
Jack Rapke, Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis
Screenwriter
Terry Ryan, Jane Anderson
Distributor
DreamWorks SKG
Production Co
Revolution Erie Productions Ltd.
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Some Disturbing Images|Language)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 30, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 20, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$626.3K
Runtime
1h 39m
Sound Mix
Surround
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