Watch Benny and Joon

Written by Barry Berman and Lesley McNeil, Benny and Joon is a romantic comedy directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik. The film stars Aidan Quinn and Mary Stuart Masterson in the titular roles of Benny and Joon and co-stars Johnny Depp as Sam and Julianne Moore as Ruthie. Upon the death of his parents, Benny must take over care of his schizophrenic sister Joon. Although Joon is sweet she is prone to violent outbursts when in the worst throes of her illness, which has made it difficult for strangers to cope with her. A stranger comes into her life when, after losing a poker game, she and Benny are saddled with a friend's quirky cousin. Illiterate film fanatic Sam who is a master of physical comedy routines plucked from classic film. A skilled entertainer, Sam has done little with his life. Although Benny is initially wary of Sam, he warms to him and says that Sam can be the new housekeeper since his sister never got along with any of the others. Joon and Sam hit it off and begin spending time together. Meanwhile Benny abruptly ends a date with Ruthie, too worried about his sister to balance a social life with caring for her. Sam and Joon admit their love for one other and become intimate. When Benny finds out he casts Benny out of the house and threatens to have Joon put away in a psychiatric facility. When Benny is out once more, Sam arrives to try to run away with Joon. The couple's plan is cut short when Joon has a schizophrenic episode in the bus and must be hospitalized. Benny blames Sam and his sister refuses to see him. A calmer Benny enlists Sam's help to regain Joon's affection. He brings Sam to her and suggests that she try living on her own. Benny can finally begin his own life with Ruthie once his sister is happy and settled on her own.