Looking back at 1997, I blush with embarrassment for the Academy when I contemplate how they decided to nominate this fun but oh-so-slight little trifle. And I say that as someone who has seen the movie several times and always enjoys it. Here's what should've received a Best Picture nomination instead of this: http://www.cinemalowdown.com/2013/06/1997-oscars-revisited-what-should ve.html
http://www.cinemalowdown.com/
There were quite a few scenes, some small and a couple large, in which these guys regained - or gained for the first time - their self-esteem. It had a lot of heart. Not so slight, IMHO.
shareI haven't seen Starship Troopers, CopLand is a weak ensemble piece that just fails to hit hard, The Edge was a well-made genre flick, but The Full Monty is much more original and memorable and classically made than either of those (in terms of story structure). TFM wins on title alone - anytime you introduce a new term into pop culture with your title, you're already a few steps ahead of something called "The Edge" - edge of what? Anyway I think you fail to see the deceptive depth of Full Monty - it's slight on the outside, but has some powerful meaning behind each of the characters lives. it wasn't nominated for best original script for nothing!
shareAlthough the film did not cost as much as all the other films that were nominated in 1997, "The Full Monty" certainly deserved to be nominated because it is rare that a British comedy film gets nearly everything right, and still has a social conscience.
Of course the acting by all the cast were very good, including the female parts. I especially liked Tom Wilkinson as Gerald (as we see his character change during the film).
The film shows the desperateness of the six men, in their different ways trying to improve themselves. Very rare for any English speaking film to show what it is like being on benefits, and having humor with it.
The music is good. The accents appear spot on.
If "Titanic" can win the best film of the year, then "The Full Monty" deserved to be nominated in its year as a best picture nominee.