The Rainmaker (1997) is a legal drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Jon Voight, Claire Danes, and Mickey Rourke. It is based on the 1995 novel of the same name by John Grisham.
The film tells the story of Rudy Baylor (Damon), a young lawyer who takes on a powerful insurance company in a case involving a young boy dying of leukemia. The insurance company is refusing to pay for a bone marrow transplant that could save the boy's life.
Baylor is a fresh law school graduate and has never argued a case in court before. He is also up against a team of experienced lawyers from the insurance company. However, Baylor is determined to win justice for his client.
With the help of his mentor, Deck Shifflet (DeVito), Baylor uncovers evidence that the insurance company has been engaged in fraudulent practices. He also learns that the company has a history of denying claims for life-saving treatments.
Baylor takes the insurance company to court and presents a compelling case. He argues that the company is putting profits ahead of people and that it is denying his client his right to life.
In the end, Baylor wins the case and the insurance company is forced to pay for the bone marrow transplant. The film is a victory for justice and for the underdog.
The Rainmaker is a well-made and emotionally resonant film. It is a story about hope, perseverance, and the power of justice. The film also features strong performances from its cast, particularly Matt Damon and Danny DeVito.
Cast
- Matt Damon as Rudy Baylor
- Danny DeVito as Deck Shifflet
- Claire Danes as Kelly Riker
- Jon Voight as Leo F. Drummond
- Mary Kay Place as Dot Black
- Dean Stockwell as Judge Harvey Hale
- Teresa Wright as "Miss Birdie" Birdsong
- Virginia Madsen as Jackie Lemanczyk
- Mickey Rourke as J. Lyman "Bruiser" Stone
- Andrew Shue as Cliff Riker
- Red West as Buddy Black
- Johnny Whitworth as Donny Ray Black
- Roy Scheider as Wilfred Keeley
- Randy Travis as Billy Porter
- Danny Glover (uncredited) as Judge Tyrone Kipler
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Writers: Francis Ford Coppola
Box Office Gross: $45,916,769
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: November 21, 1997