Win Win

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2:19

Win Win

R

2011

1h 46m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

173 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Mike Flaherty (Paul Giamatti) is a struggling, though not overly ambitious, lawyer. As the court-appointed attorney of Leo Poplar (Burt Young), an old man afflicted with dementia, Mike sees an opportunity to take things easy for a while by volunteering to become Leo's legal guardian and thereby gain control of the man's monthly stipend. The unexpected arrival of Leo's grandson complicates Mike's plans, until he learns that the youth is a champion wrestler who can help the team Mike coaches.

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Critics Consensus

Rich, wonderful characters and strong performances populate Win Win, with writer/director Thomas McCarthy continuing to emerge as a great American humanist.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

08/31/2018

Win Win is a comedy-drama that is warm-hearted and compassionate and enjoyable without, alas, being especially remarkable or original, which is a bit of a blow but I think you'll get over it.

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Scott Foundas

Film Comment Magazine

06/20/2013

McCarthy understands the thrill of incontrovertible victory and our primal lust for it.

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David Stratton

At the Movies (Australia)

08/17/2011

3.5/5

Beautifully observed, this serio-comic film is the stuff of life and, despite the plot contrivances, very engaging in its quiet way.

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Michael Clark

Epoch Times

01/19/2024

4/5

“Win Win” was Mr. McCarthy’s third effort as a filmmaker and his third straight triumph. Not quite as great as “The Station Agent,” but better than “The Visitor,” it is an art-house drama posing as a mainstream uplifting comedy.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

09/27/2020

3.5/4.0

It contains enough heart and humor to please virtually anyone.

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Felicia Feaster

Charleston City Paper

01/17/2020

There is a shambling, lo-fi sweetness to Win Win.

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Ethan S

@RT81945943 Aug 24

So good. Script is on point.

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Ian F.

@thismeansguerra 07/16/2025

Absolutely love this movie, beautifully done

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Stephen C

@bob25009 05/13/2025

LOL, 1 hour and 46 minutes of humor and drama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated R for Language!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In memory of Burt Young!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $10,200,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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David H

@LeftAFilmInMy 05/06/2025

Paul Giamatti is simultaneously the least handsome and most desirable man. And this was a surprisingly funny movie. Low cadence and tone with a real sensorial essence of your high school wrestling team you probably never saw--but it's just enough.

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Justin S

@RT75964167 12/14/2024

A really heart felt wholesome movie about doing the right thing. Witty with a great script and a great performance by the young actor playing Kyle. One to file under easy watching whilst having a 'lazy 'day.

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Brad CKA L

@RT22936844 11/26/2024

Paul Giamatti is a national treasure. How has he not collected more awards? Some people are just more than we deserve I guess. The teenager in this is great too. Yeah I'm too lazy to Google his name. Check out my longer review: https://youtu.be/k2P2lmTCJnY?si=cZ5S2Jyi7HCM24oj

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Tom McCarthy

Director

Paul Giamatti

Mike Flaherty

Amy Ryan

Jackie Flaherty

Bobby Cannavale

Terry Delfino

Jeffrey Tambor

Stephen Vigman

Burt Young

Leo Poplar

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Win Win: Trailer 1

2:19

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Synopsis

Mike Flaherty (Paul Giamatti) is a struggling, though not overly ambitious, lawyer. As the court-appointed attorney of Leo Poplar (Burt Young), an old man afflicted with dementia, Mike sees an opportunity to take things easy for a while by volunteering to become Leo's legal guardian and thereby gain control of the man's monthly stipend. The unexpected arrival of Leo's grandson complicates Mike's plans, until he learns that the youth is a champion wrestler who can help the team Mike coaches.

Director: Tom McCarthy
Producer: Mary Jane Skalski, Michael London, Lisa Marie Falcone
Screenwriter: Tom McCarthy
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Production Co: Next Wednesday Productions, Groundswell Productions
Rating: R (Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 18, 2011, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $10.2M
Runtime: 1h 46m