Simply Beautiful.

My motto is "If Johnny Depp's in it, it's got to be worth a watch" and never is that more true than when speaking of Benny and Joon.
This film touched my heart and the hearts of those who I have shared it with. I love this film so much that Benny, Joon and Sam have made there way into my heart and will have to be dragged from it kicking and screaming.

Mary Stuart Masterson is Juniper Pearl (affectionately known as Joon), the "mentally ill" sister of Benny (Aidan Quinn). Their parents are unfortunately deceased and Benny has spent the majority of his life caring for Joon, never really having the time to make a life for himself. Cue Sam (beautifully played by Johnny Depp) who Joon "wins" when she loses in a game of poker... but never has a losing hand at poker had such an amazing impact on someones life.

Sam... the oddball (who has traces of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton about him) sees the world through innocent eyes and is perfect for Joon, he sees past her condition and finds his way into her heart through his caring and quirky nature. Benny, being over protective of his ill sister is reluctant at first to take Sam home, but has no idea how positive his presence will be.

This film takes you on the journey of a romance that is pure and un-blinkered by what society expects of people... it's able to open your eyes and show you a twinkle of hope that love is still untainted and still able to sweep you off of your feet.

It's moving... heart wrenching even, but perfectly entwined with all the sweetness and innocence that a lot of movies of today lack.
Benny and Joon never fails to put a smile on my face.
Finally, thanks to Depp's portrayal, I have fallen hopelessly in love with Sam.