I remember reading this book in school. I thought it was a sad, but very interesting and touching story. I didn't know they did another version of this book until I saw it at my videostore. I decided to rent it, hoping that it would be just as I remembered the book. It was. Matthew Modine didn't go overboard, which makes him very believable in this role. You'll feel sorry for him, maybe have a little tear at the corner of your eye, but you won't be dissapointed. A story about all humans and the way we perceive each other.