I Am Sam 2001
“Love is all you need.”
What is I Am Sam?
The film I Am Sam tells the story of Sam, a neurodivergent man, and his experiences as a parent. Sam has a daughter named Lucy with a homeless woman, but the woman abandons them, leaving Sam to care for Lucy on his own.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 2001
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 132 minutes
- Release date
- Dec 28, 2001
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- United States of America, Germany
- Studios
- New Line Cinema, Bedford Falls Productions, Red Fish, Blue Fish Films
- Budget
- $22,000,000
- Revenue
- $92,542,418
- Genres
- Drama
- Updated
Where to watch
Rent
Buy
Rent
Buy
Rent
Buy
Rent
Buy
Stream
Rent
Buy
With ads
Rent
Buy
Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
Trailer
Overview
The film I Am Sam tells the story of Sam, a neurodivergent man, and his experiences as a parent. Sam has a daughter named Lucy with a homeless woman, but the woman abandons them, leaving Sam to care for Lucy on his own. As Lucy grows up, issues arise due to Sam's limitations as a parent, leading to the authorities taking her away. In response, Sam seeks the help of a high-priced lawyer named Rita, convincing her to take his case without charge. Through their interactions, Sam has a profound impact on Rita, teaching her about the importance of love and family. The story explores the complexities of family and the challenges faced by Sam as he navigates his role as a parent. The relationship between Sam and Rita is a key aspect of the film, highlighting the ways in which they learn from and influence each other.
Should you watch it?
“A devoted father fights the system to keep his daughter.”
- Shows a father's love against odds
- Explores neurodivergence and family bonds
- Features a compelling courtroom dynamic
- The story deals with serious emotional and legal challenges, which may be heavy for some viewers.
Watch it if you appreciate stories about parental devotion and personal growth.
The PG-13 rating suggests moderate emotional intensity, making it appropriate for older teens and adults.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about I Am Sam — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is I Am Sam worth watching?
Cast
Frequently asked questions
What is the central conflict of the film?
Sam, a neurodivergent father, battles the authorities to retain custody of his daughter Lucy.
Who are the primary characters?
The story focuses on Sam, his daughter Lucy, and the lawyer Rita who takes his case.
What genre does the movie belong to?
It is classified as a drama, featuring legal and family themes.
How long is the film?
The runtime is approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes.
What is the film’s rating?
The movie is rated PG-13 in the United States.