The Rainmaker (1997)
They were totally unqualified to try the case of a lifetime... but every underdog has his day.
Director: Francis Ford Coppola · Writers: Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Herr
Fresh out of law school and desperate for work, idealistic rookie Rudy Baylor takes on a powerful insurance company accused of denying a dying boy’s claim. Teaming up with a scrappy, unlicensed paralegal, he finds himself in a David-versus-Goliath courtroom battle that tests his ethics, courage, and belief in justice.
Where to watch
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
Philo
MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
MGM Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Spectrum On Demand
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Trailer
Director
Francis Ford Coppola
Cast
Matt Damon
Rudy Baylor 
Claire Danes
Kelly Riker 
Danny DeVito
Deck Shifflet 
Jon Voight
Leo F. Drummond 
Mary Kay Place
Dot Black 
Dean Stockwell
Judge Harvey Hale 
Mickey Rourke
Bruiser Stone 
Danny Glover
Richter Tyrone Kipler 
Virginia Madsen
Jackie Lemancyzk 
Randy Travis
Billy Porter 
Roy Scheider
Wilfred Keeley 
Red West
Buddy Black User Reviews (2)
‘Good lawyer’ is not an oxymoron RELEASED IN 1997 and written & directed by Francis Ford Coppola based on John Grisham’s book, "The Rainmaker" stars Matt Damon as an idealistic newbie lawyer in Memphis who takes on a fraudulent insurance company with Danny DeVito as his paralegal and Claire Danes an abused potential love interest. Jon Voight plays the lead lawyer for the insurance company and Roy Scheider the CEO of the corporation. Beyond Coppola’s renowned expertise, the cast is stellar, which also includes Mickey Rourke as a smooth legal mogul, Virginia Madsen as a witness and Dean Stockwell & Danny Glover as judges. This was Damon’s break out role as a leading man, paving the way for hits like “Good Will Hunting” (1998) and “Saving Private Ryan” (1998). He’s affable as the principled young lawyer and I liked the way the movie discreetly shows his new home li…
The Rainmaker is a compelling legal drama that showcases Francis Ford Coppola's return to form after the less successful Jack. Adapted from John Grisham's novel, the film follows Rudy Baylor, a novice attorney portrayed by Matt Damon, as he takes on a powerful insurance company in a wrongful death lawsuit. While the case's outcome may seem predictable, the narrative remains engaging, keeping viewers invested throughout. Matt Damon delivers a strong performance, capturing Rudy's earnestness and determination. 1997 was indeed a significant year for Damon, with Good Will Hunting also releasing, further establishing his presence in Hollywood. The supporting cast, including Danny DeVito as Deck Shifflet and Jon Voight as the opposing attorney, adds depth and nuance to the story. Coppola's direction brings a grounded realism to the film, focusing on the intricacies of the legal process a…
