2005
PG-13
DreamWorks
1 h 39 m

2005
PG-13
DreamWorks
1 h 39 m

Summary Based on a true story, this film features Julianne Moore as a 1950's mother who defies the conventions of the day and finds a way to keep her family together by applying her remarkable resourcefulness and uncommon wit. (Go Fish Pictures)

Directed By: Jane Anderson

Written By: Terry Ryan, Jane Anderson

2005
PG-13
DreamWorks
1 h 39 m

2005
PG-13
DreamWorks
1 h 39 m

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

Name: The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
Genre: Biography, Drama
Released: 2005-09-30
Duration: 1 min 39 s
Rating: 58
Cast: Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, Trevor Morgan, Ellary Porterfield

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 28 Critic Reviews

User Score Generally Favorable Based on 12 User Ratings

7.2

My Score

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Where to Watch

Directed By: Jane Anderson

Written By: Terry Ryan, Jane Anderson

Where to Watch

Critic Reviews

View All

Metascore

Mixed or Average Based on 28 Critic Reviews

57% Positive
16 Reviews

39% Mixed
11 Reviews

4% Negative
1 Review

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

View All

Metascore

Mixed or Average Based on 28 Critic Reviews

57% Positive
16 Reviews

39% Mixed
11 Reviews

4% Negative
1 Review

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Boston Globe

Anderson is the rare filmmaker who doesn't want to use the actress as an instrument or to exploit her independent-movie cachet. She has freed Moore to be what she hasn't been with many directors: credibly human.

By Wesley Morris FULL REVIEW

Miami Herald

With its predictable confrontations and tacky fantasy sequences, you feel writer/director Jane Anderson steering the material toward schmaltzy movie-of-the-week territory at every turn.

By Peter Debruge FULL REVIEW

USA Today

An engaging film bolstered by the stellar performance of Julianne Moore.

By Claudia Puig FULL REVIEW

The Hollywood Reporter

A spirited comic drama, toplined by Moore's lovely performance.

By Sheri Linden FULL REVIEW

Rolling Stone

It's tough to imagine a guy who won't squirm through this tale of 1950s housewife Evelyn Ryan.

By Peter Travers FULL REVIEW

Village Voice

Shameless Eisenhower-era corn.