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What is the movie Win Win about?

Published in Comedy Drama Film 3 mins read

The movie Win Win is a comedic drama centered on a struggling lawyer and high school wrestling coach, Mike Flaherty, who attempts to exploit an elderly client for financial gain, only to have his opportunistic scheme complicated by the unexpected arrival of the client's grandson.

A Lawyer's Ethical Quandary

The story introduces Mike Flaherty (played by Paul Giamatti), a character who is depicted as a struggling, though not overly ambitious, lawyer. Faced with financial pressures, Mike also dedicates his time to coaching a high school wrestling team that is not performing well. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is appointed as the court-appointed attorney for Leo Poplar (portrayed by Burt Young), an old man afflicted with dementia.

An Opportunistic Plan Unfolds

Seeing an opportunity to alleviate his financial woes, Mike devises a plan. He volunteers to become Leo's legal guardian, believing this will provide him with an easy way to gain control of the man's monthly stipend. His intention is to "take things easy for a while" by securing access to Leo's funds, which he perceives as a straightforward solution to his problems. This decision sets the stage for a series of events that challenge Mike's ethical boundaries.

An Unexpected Champion Enters the Ring

Mike's carefully laid plans are significantly complicated by the unexpected arrival of Leo's grandson. Initially, this development seems like a major disruption to Mike's scheme. However, the situation takes an unforeseen turn when Mike learns that the youth is not just any grandson, but a champion wrestler. This revelation presents Mike with a new, enticing opportunity: the talented young wrestler could be a valuable asset to the struggling wrestling team he coaches, potentially turning their fortunes around.

The film explores the nuances of Mike's moral choices as he grapples with his initial selfish motives versus the genuine connections he forms and the responsibilities he acquires. It delves into themes of family, integrity, mentorship, and the unexpected paths to redemption.

Key Characters and Their Roles

Character Actor Role
Mike Flaherty Paul Giamatti Struggling lawyer and high school wrestling coach
Leo Poplar Burt Young Elderly client with dementia, whose guardianship is sought
Leo's Grandson Alex Shaffer Unexpected arrival, a champion wrestler who impacts Mike's life

Central Themes Explored

  • Ethical Dilemmas: The movie highlights Mike's internal struggle between financial need and moral obligations.
  • Family Dynamics: It showcases the complexities of familial relationships, both biological and forged through circumstance.
  • Redemption Through Mentorship: The unexpected bond formed between Mike and Leo's grandson provides a path for Mike's personal growth.
  • The Power of Sports: Wrestling serves as a backdrop, illustrating discipline, teamwork, and the pursuit of victory, both on and off the mat.

Win Win ultimately tells a story about finding an unexpected path to what truly matters, even when starting from a place of self-interest.

Learn more about Win Win on IMDb
Read reviews for Win Win on Rotten Tomatoes