The Cobbler

The Cobbler

Year: 2015

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Thomas McCarthy

DramaFantasyComedy

Max Simkin, a shoemaker in a small New York shop, lives a solitary life until he discovers an old family heirloom. The magical tool allows him to literally walk in his customers' shoes, experiencing their lives and understanding their problems. Through these experiences, Max begins to confront his own issues and discovers the power of human connection, finding meaning and purpose beyond his quiet existence.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Cobbler (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Cobbler (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1903, Present Day

The movie oscillates between two time periods: the early 1900s, when immigrant communities struggled against adversity in New York City, and the modern-day where gentrification threatens long-established neighborhoods. The early 20th century saw waves of immigration, which shaped the urban landscape, while the present highlights ongoing issues of community preservation and the impact of development.

Location

Lower East Side, New York City, Chinatown

The Lower East Side of New York City is a vibrant and historically significant neighborhood known for its rich cultural diversity and immigrant roots. In the early 20th century, it became a hub for Jewish communities, where families, like those depicted in the film, faced the challenges of urban life. Chinatown, with its bustling streets and authentic eateries, represents another layer of New York's multicultural fabric.

🏙️ City 🏬 Neighborhood

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:47

Main Characters – The Cobbler (2015)

Meet the key characters of The Cobbler (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Max Simkin (Adam Sandler)

Max is a down-on-his-luck cobbler struggling to find purpose in both his professional and personal life. His discovery of a magical ability to assume others' identities reveals his deep-seated yearning for connection and understanding. Throughout the film, Max evolves from apathetic to impactful, ultimately seeking to honor his family legacy while fighting for his community.

🎭 Comedy 👨‍👦 Family 🧙‍♂️ Magic

Pinchas Simkin (Donnie Keshawarz)

Pinchas, the original cobbler, represents the traditions and struggles of the Jewish community in early 1900s New York. His commitment to his work and family highlights the importance of heritage. Through his character, the film connects the past to the present, showcasing the enduring challenges that persist through generations.

👴 Heritage 🛠️ Craftsmanship

Carmen Herrera (Melonie Diaz)

Carmen is a passionate community activist committed to fighting against gentrification in the Lower East Side. She serves as a catalyst for Max's growth, pushing him to consider the impact of his actions on the neighborhood. Her character embodies hope and resilience in the face of change.

🌱 Activism 💪 Empowerment

Leon Ludlow (Method Man)

Leon is a local thug who represents the darker elements of urban life. His volatile nature forces Max to confront danger and the ethical dilemmas of his newfound abilities. Through his antagonistic role, Ludlow reinforces the theme of crime versus justice.

💣 Violence 👊 Crime

Abraham Simkin (Dustin Hoffman)

Abraham is not only Max's father but also a significant figure in the family's cobbling tradition. His reappearance at the end of the film signifies the reconnection of family and legacy, challenging Max to step up and embrace his heritage. Abraham's wisdom reflects the transformative power of love and family bonds.

👪 Family 🌟 Legacy

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:47

Major Themes – The Cobbler (2015)

Explore the central themes of The Cobbler (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👞 Identity

The theme of identity is central to the narrative, as Max explores different lives through the soles of shoes. This magical ability serves as a metaphor for the quest for understanding oneself and others. The shifts between identities raise questions about genuine connections and the costs of escaping one's reality.

🏠 Home

Home is depicted as both a physical space and emotional refuge in the film. Max's desire to connect with his deceased father and care for his ailing mother underlines the significance of family and legacy. The struggle against external forces trying to displace established homes reinforces the importance of preserving community roots.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a recurring theme as Max grapples with morality in a world where he can assume another identity. His initial carefree use of this ability leads to deeper reflections on right and wrong, especially as he confronts the violent realities of those he impersonates. The film questions whether true justice can ever be achieved in a skewed system.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:47

Unlock the Full Story of The Cobbler

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Cobbler in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Cobbler is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Cobbler Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Cobbler, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Cobbler Summary

The Cobbler Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Cobbler with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Cobbler Timeline

More About The Cobbler

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Cobbler: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Cobbler

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