
Overview
Newcomer AnnaSophia Robb is adorable as India Opal Buloni in Wayne Wang's heartwarming family comedy BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE, based on the bestselling novel by Kate DiCamillo. A smart, resourceful young girl, Opal thinks "people forgot how to share the joy." She's tired of moving from small town to small town with her father (Jeff Daniels), a preacher at the Open Arms Baptist Church; she just wants to find a home and stop being lonely. One night she wishes for a best friend, and that companion arrives in the form of a magical, trouble-causing dog she comes upon in a Winn-Dixie supermarket. She names the dog Winn-Dixie, and they become inseparable, making friends with many of the town's most unusual, quirky characters, including gruff and scruffy Otis (singer-songwriter Dave Matthews), who carries around his guitar and works at the rather unique Gertrude's Pet Shop. Academy Award winners Eva Marie Saint (as Miss Franny the librarian) and Cicely Tyson (as the mysteriously daffy but charming Gloria Dump) provide excellent support as well. Among the musicians on the infectious pop soundtrack are Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, the Beu Sisters, the Finn Brothers, and Leigh Nash, whose "I've Gotta See You Smile" will make audiences do just that. With BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE, Hong Kong-born Wang continues his successful transition to English-language family films following such acclaimed early Chinese works as CHAN IS MISSING, DIM SUM, and EAT A BOWL OF TEA.
Awards:
Main Cast & Crew:
Wayne Wang - Director
Annasophia Robb
Jeff Daniels
Eva Marie Saint
Dave Matthews
Cicely Tyson
Luke Benward
Elle Fanning
Lara Grice
Courtney Jines
Details
- Format: DVD (New Box Art)
- Run Time: 106
- Color Format: Color
- UPC: 024543189718
- Genre: Drama
- Rating: PG (MPAA) (thematic elements and brief mild language)
- Release Date: August 2005

Movie Reviews
Notes:
Theatrical Release: February 18, 2005
Reviews:
"[A] dandy, dignified movie....Rookie actress Sophia Robb holds her own with spirit..." - 02/25/2005 Entertainment Weekly, p.80
"[A] sweet, family-friendly retelling of a touching and funny Newbery Award-winning children's book." - 02/18/2005 USA Today, p.8E
"[A] heartwarming 'tail' of salvation through friendship in rural Florida." - 08/11/2005 Rolling Stone, p.84
