Children of a Lesser God 1986

In a world where silence can be just as loud as words, James Leeds, a determined speech therapist, crosses paths with Sarah Norman, a beautiful and fiercely independent deaf woman. As their unlikely romance blossoms, they must confront the emotional scars of Sarah's troubled past and the challenges of communication that lie between them.

In a world where silence can be just as loud as words, James Leeds, a determined speech therapist, crosses paths with Sarah Norman, a beautiful and fiercely independent deaf woman. As their unlikely romance blossoms, they must confront the emotional scars of Sarah's troubled past and the challenges of communication that lie between them.

Does Children of a Lesser God have end credit scenes?

No!

Children of a Lesser God does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Children of a Lesser God

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Ratings and Reviews for Children of a Lesser God

See how Children of a Lesser God is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Children of a Lesser God stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

80

Metascore

7.4

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

81%

TOMATOMETER

review

78%

User Score

TMDB

69

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Children of a Lesser God Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Children of a Lesser God with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Children of a Lesser God Quiz: Test your knowledge of the poignant love story between James and Sarah in 'Children of a Lesser God.'

Who is the teacher that arrives at the school for the deaf?

Awards & Nominations for Children of a Lesser God

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by Children of a Lesser God, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Children of a Lesser God and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


The 59th Academy Awards 1987

William Hurt
Nomination

Actor in a Leading Role

William Hurt
Win

Actress in a Leading Role

Marlee Matlin
Piper Laurie
Nomination

Actress in a Supporting Role

Piper Laurie
Nomination

Best Picture

Nomination

Writing (Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium)

40th British Academy Film Awards 1987

Nomination

Best Adapted Screenplay

39th Directors Guild of America Awards 1987

Nomination

Feature Film

Randa Haines

44th Golden Globe Awards 1987

Nomination

Best Motion Picture – Drama

William Hurt
Nomination

Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actor)

William Hurt
Nomination

Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actress)

Marlee Matlin

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Children of a Lesser God

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Read the complete plot summary of Children of a Lesser God, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In a charming New England school designed for the deaf and hard of hearing, an energetic teacher named James Leeds shakes things up with his vibrant enthusiasm. His focus soon falls on Sarah Norman, who once excelled academically but now finds herself working as a janitor. At first glance, Sarah’s tough exterior hides a profound bond with the deaf students, a connection that James is eager to develop. His pursuit of Sarah is persistent; he stealthily arranges secret meetings and patiently waits outside her workplace, though she consistently rebuffs his advances. Undaunted, he eventually secures a dinner invitation, where he is captivated by the grace of Sarah’s movements, echoing unheard melodies.

As their relationship evolves, James learns about Sarah’s reluctance to regain her voice. While initially respectful of her choice, he becomes increasingly curious about her past. Through conversations with Sarah’s mother, James discovers that she was once a popular girl, well-regarded among her peers. However, the reality of her history is woven with pain, scarred by the shadows of unnamed “boys” who mistreated her, leaving her cautious of men and hesitant to connect deeply.

One fateful day, James encounters Sarah swimming nude in a pool, which compels him to express his growing affection for her. Sensing her fear, he dives into the water to lighten the atmosphere. Their first passionate kiss marks a crucial milestone in their tumultuous relationship, leading to an intimate moment that solidifies their bond.

However, the path ahead isn’t smooth; the school superintendent warns James that their romance may face insurmountable challenges. Yet, driven by an unshakeable love, James remains committed to Sarah, channeling his creativity into a mesmerizing dance performance with his students. This captivating event—marked by lip-syncing and choreography—underscores the disconnect brewing between them, highlighted by Sarah’s troubled reaction, revealing that underneath her demeanor lies a significant struggle.

As time progresses, Sarah’s distress over James’s students using their voices comes to the forefront. She fears that James may harbor disdain for her inability to speak, leading to an internal conflict as she grapples with their contrasting realities. James’s relentless attempts to encourage Sarah to communicate only exacerbate her frustrations, as she feels undermined and patronized. Ultimately, the rift between them becomes unbridgeable, and their paths separate.

In the aftermath, Sarah seeks comfort in repairing her relationship with her estranged mother, finding healing through shared moments and mutual understanding. Meanwhile, James is left to reckon with the fallout of his pursuits, yearning for reconciliation but facing refusal as Sarah is resolute in her decision to move on.

As he continues searching for Sarah, James learns she has retrained as a manicurist. Their lives intersect again at the school prom, where both must face the unique challenges of blending their different experiences—one of silence and the other of sound.

Ultimately, both James and Sarah discover that fostering a lasting relationship involves embracing their differences. This poignant journey of self-discovery allows them to bridge the chasm between their worlds, creating a path toward a richer understanding and a stronger connection.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Children of a Lesser God

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Children of a Lesser God - Trailer

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


school for the deafdeafnessf rated1980sgod in titleacademia dramahaines and laurieteacher of the hearing impairedbased on a stage playcigarette smokingreference to johann sebastian bachskinny dippingfemale nudityschoolteacherlovejanitorredheaded womantitle directed by femalefightargumentquickielistening to classical musicclassical musicfalling in loveplaying cardsplaying pokerpokerloud musicplaying basketballbasketballsexpoolnew jobferrylistening to musicfemale rear nuditybrief nuditynuditytroubled pastdancingrecord playersource musicelectronic music scoref wordcatteacher student relationshipmale female relationshipstudentschool superintendent

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