awsome movie. role models are fairly good idgy (mary stuart masterson) starts out as a thief but then learns that stealing is bad.
Fried Green Tomatoes
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Stirring, sizzling serving of female empowerment.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Fried Green Tomatoes was written by Heather Boerner
Parents need to know that this film is heartwarming but also contains many violent and scary scenes that are probably too much for young kids. Several characters die, including main characters, which may be difficult for sensitive kids or kids who have lost a loved one. The KKK has a presence in the film, whipping one character and threatening another. One main character suffers spousal abuse while pregnant. The film offers plenty of comeuppance for the bad guys, though, and focuses on the empowerment of women through their bold actions. Also of note: The subtext is that Idgy and Ruth are lesbian partners, though the film never shows anything that would make that clear.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about empowerment in the characters' lives. Many had to stray from the good opinions of others to feel empowered. Is ignoring your critics a good idea sometimes? Was it a good idea for Idgy? Was it good for Ruth? Why or why not? Ruth is also abused by her husband, which may be a good opportunity for parents to talk to kids about what's acceptable in relationships and how to identify someone who's abusive.
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More on Fried Green Tomatoes
What’s the Story?
Evelyn (Kathy Bates) is a repressed Southern housewife who downs a dozen candy bars a day to cope with her failing marriage when she meets the frail Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy) at a senior citizens' home. Ninny tells Evelyn the story of Idgy (Mary Stuart Masterson) and Ruth's (Mary-Louise Parker) life together in the tiny Alabama town of Whistle Stop. Nonconformist Idgy, a young woman prone to wearing men's clothes and gambling, and God-fearing Ruth face abusive husbands, the KKK, and even a murder rap together. Through it all, they raise Ruth's son, Buddy Jr., and learn how important it is to protect those you love no matter what.
Is It Any Good?
Like all good Southern gothic stories, FRIED GREEN TOMATOES serves up a heaping portion of tall tales, scary situations, and explorations of social issues. The story unfolds in ellipses and fable-like flashbacks that make it both spellbinding and frightening, teaching viewers the importance of altruism.
Fried Green Tomatoes wouldn't be the long-standing favorite it is without the phenomenal performances of some of the day's best actors. Bates, Tandy, Cicely Tyson, and Parker bring this tale to life. They also raise questions about whether the way we deal with issues like homelessness and racial intolerance is much better today.
Movie Details
Studio: Universal Studios, Director: John Avnet
Run time: 137 minutes
Theatrical release: 01/12/1991, DVD release: 12/15/1998
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, thematic intensity.
Run time: 137 minutes
Theatrical release: 01/12/1991, DVD release: 12/15/1998
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, thematic intensity.
Our Members Say
See all 2 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
one of the best
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
Great Movie!!
This movie is about an old lady that tells stories about her exciting life with her friend. The language isn't that bad the worst it can get is the b-word. There is not one sex scene and nothing even about it. There is no blood or gore. It's a pretty good movie and I suggest it.
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