Gilbert Grape lives in Endora, a place where nothing much happens. The only times the police got something to do is when Gilbert's autistic brother Arnie tries to climb up on the watertower nearby. Taking care of Arnie is mostly Gilbert's task which can be pretty demanding, at least while you are working at the local grocery store. Then one day Becky and her grandmother passes through Endora getting trouble with the car. Gilbert falls in love with Becky, but gets problems when he tries to find time for his own private life.

This film is a deeply moving glimpse into the frustration, sadness and triumph of love in what some would classify as a dysfunctional family. Leonardo DiCaprio was nominated for an Oscar and this is the movie that should have made him a star. He is unbelievably fabulous in it.