The Great Gilly Hopkins (2015)

The Great Gilly Hopkins Poster

Wisecracking, gum-chewing 12-year-old Gilly is well known in the foster system. Totally unmanageable, she has stayed with more families than she can remember and has outwitted them all. After all, how can she settle down when her real mother, the beautiful and glamourous Courtney, might be out there waiting for her? When Gilly is sent to live with the Trotters, the weirdest family yet, she isn’t planning to stick around. But cheerful, affectionate Maime Trotter isn’t giving up on Gilly just yet...

Introduction
"The Great Gilly Hopkins" is a 2015American drama movie directed by Stephen Herek, based upon the young person novel of the very same name by Katherine Paterson. The movie stars Sophie Nélisse, Octavia Spencer, Julia Stiles, Kathy Bates and Glenn Close in the main functions. A tale told with much heart, it follows the life of a girl on her journey of self-discovery and approval of unconventional familial ties.

Plot Summary
The story revolves around Galadriel, or 'Gilly' (Sophie Nélisse), a quick-witted and difficult 11-year-old with a struggling past. Gilly has been mixed between multiple foster houses and schools because of her defiant mindset and bad behavior. She is under the assumption that she was abandoned by her mother and yearns to reunite with her. In a desperate effort to get her mom's attention, she formulates a strategy to escape.

Her latest placement introduces her to Maime Trotter (Kathy Bates), a good-natured, unconventional female crazy about understanding the misconstrued woman. She lives with a more youthful African-American kid named W.E. (Zachary Hernandez), who idolizes James Baldwin and who, despite Gilly's initial brusqueness, forms a bond with her.

Character Development and Closure
As the story unfolds, Gilly's bonding with Maime Trotter, W.E., and her next-door neighbor Mr. Randolph (Bill Cobbs), softens her habits. She slowly starts accepting her new family and even excels in academics. But, just when things begin to look appealing for Gilly, her maternal grandmother Nonnie (Glenn Close) surfaces and takes Gilly away to her own home. Here she finds that her mom who she had prepared to leave with, is unable to offer her or wishes to belong of her life in any method.

Exposed to a plain reality, Gilly realizes the real significance of a family and acknowledges Maime Trotter as her real mom. The film ends on a touching note where Gilly, adjusting to her brand-new comfy life with Nonnie, exchanges genuine letters with Maime. This poignant correspondence represents Gilly's change from a solidified, misbehaving kid to a delicate and understanding girl.

Styles And Performances
"The Great Gilly Hopkins" skillfully explores the styles of household, belonging, and love in a subtle and understanding method. Kathy Bates as Trotter is endearing and nails her role of the difficult yet delicate foster mother. Sophie Nélisse plays Gilly with the right mix of aggressiveness, vulnerability, and change. The exceptional ensemble cast, Julia Stiles as Gilly's birth mom and Octavia Spencer as her instructor, Miss Harris, adds depth to the story.

Conclusion
In general, "The Great Gilly Hopkins" is a heartwarming tale of approval, kindness, and the numerous bonds that form a household. The film isn't just about a distressed woman going through foster care, but is likewise about understanding and accepting the truths of life. It likewise casts a light on the foster system itself and the value of steady household environments for kids who are a part of it. The movie's fully grown handling of the subject and the strong efficiencies by all actors make it a touching household drama that's worth watching.

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