When someone does you a big favor, don’t pay it back… Pay It Forward|Oct. 20, 2000|USA|122 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Drama
Description: **Pay It Forward (2000) Movie Plot Summary in English**
Trevor McKinney starts 7th grade in Las Vegas. His social studies teacher, Eugene Simonet, assigns the class a unique task: to develop and execute a plan that can make a positive impact on the world. Trevor comes up with an idea called “pay it forward,” which involves doing a good deed for three people instead of repaying a favor directly. The catch is that the recipients must perform acts they couldn’t accomplish on their own.
Trevor begins by helping a homeless man named Jerry, allowing him to stay in his garage. Jerry then pays it forward by repairing a car for Trevor’s mother, Arlene. However, Trevor is disappointed when Jerry eventually leaves and returns to his struggles with addiction.
Meanwhile, Arlene discovers Jerry in her house and questions Eugene about Trevor’s project. Trevor then targets Eugene and Arlene, orchestrating a dinner date to bring them together. The plan initially seems to fail, leading to an argument between Trevor and Arlene about her feelings for her alcoholic ex-husband, Ricky. In a moment of anger, Arlene slaps Trevor.
When Trevor runs away from home, Arleine seeks Eugene’s help to find him. This leads to a closer connection between Arlene and Eugene. Despite his insecurities stemming from severe burn scars—a result of a traumatic incident with his abusive father—Eugene begins to open up to Arlene. However, their bond is tested when Ricky returns, claiming to have quit drinking.
Eugene, haunted by his own childhood experiences, warns Arlene about the potential dangers of trusting Ricky again. The story explores themes of kindness, resilience, and the ripple effects of good deeds, as Trevor’s “pay it forward” initiative continues to inspire those around him.
Cast director: Mimi Leder
Cast actor: Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Angie Dickinson, Haley Joel Osment, Jay Mohr, Jim Caviezel, Jon Bon Jovi, David Ramsey, Gary Werntz, Colleen Flynn
Original name: Pay It Forward