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Trailer+2 trailers

The Pelican Brief

1993Movie2 h 21 minPG-13

DramaThriller
59
DecentGoodWatch score
IMDb6.7Letterboxd3.3/5Metacritic516.7Rotten Tomatoes56%61%
59
DecentGoodWatch score
IMDb6.7Letterboxd3.3/5Metacritic516.7Rotten Tomatoes56%61%

Summary

A law student's theory about the recent deaths of two Supreme Court justices embroils her in a far-reaching web of murder, corruption, and greed.

Good for

  • Date night
  • Friends night
  • Teens

Where to watch

Fingerprint

Not for laughs, comfort or warmth.

Movies with

Cast

24 of 35

Crew

Directed by
Alan J. Pakula
Written by
John Grisham, Alan J. Pakula
Produced by
Alan J. Pakula, Pieter Jan Brugge
Music by
James Horner

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

September 17, 1993 · 2 h 21 min · PG-13

Released
September 17, 1993
Runtime
2 h 21 min
Age rating
PG-13
Content
Violence, Strong Language, Disturbing Imagery
Genres
Thriller, Drama
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Budget
$45 million
Box office
$195 million
Available in
108 countries
Keywords
based on novel or book

Tropes

Teacher/Student Romance, Hello, Attorney!, Relationship Upgrade +9

Q&A

7 questions, like "Where can I stream The Pelican Brief?"

Questions about The Pelican Brief

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Pelican Brief?

In the United States, you can rent or buy The Pelican Brief from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. It streams in 85 other countries, but not in the United States.

Is The Pelican Brief worth watching?

59
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 59 (IMDb 6.7, Letterboxd 3.3 out of 5, Rotten Tomatoes 56%, and Metacritic 51). Audiences rate it higher (65 out of 100) than critics (54).

Is The Pelican Brief okay for kids?

PG-13ViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery

Not for young kids: it's rated PG-13 in the United States for violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Is The Pelican Brief good for date night?

and 3 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightIntergenerational

Yes: romance is 7 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

Is The Pelican Brief plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly plot-driven: intrigue (9 of 10) and mystery (9 of 10) carry it more than its characters do.

Was The Pelican Brief a box office hit?

Budget$45 million
Box office$195 million

Yes: it cost about $45 million to make and earned $195 million worldwide, 4.3 times its budget.

What tropes does The Pelican Brief use?

Teacher/Student RomanceHello, Attorney!Relationship UpgradeFollow That CarLikes Older MenRace LiftDisposable WomanHoist by His Own PetardCover Identity AnomalyAmoral AttorneyRevealing Cover-UpThe Ghostand 19 more

TV Tropes lists 31 tropes for it, including Teacher/Student Romance, Hello, Attorney!, and Relationship Upgrade.