This film is absolutely incredible. There are no words to describe how true and beautiful this film is! It has amazing performances from Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis and Mary Steenburgen!! The whole thing is just an amazingly heartwarming and joyful experience. The rolemodels are all pretty good except an autistic boy is slapped, there is some teasing and a man has an affair with an older married woman. Mature 13 year olds :)
What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A challenging look at the ups and downs of family.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 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 What's Eating Gilbert Grape? was written by Ellen Twadell
Parents need to know that this movie is more provocative thematically than others starring Depp and DiCaprio. There's bullying, disrespect, emotionally tense family scenes, and humiliation. There are some scary scenes of family fights, mostly with Gilbert's younger brother Arnie who is mentally challenged. References are made to Gilbert's father, who killed himself. Gilbert is involved with a married woman for part of the film, and there are some scenes with sexual content. Alcohol and drug use are at a minimum. The issue of tolerance is a main theme throughout the movie, centering around Arnie and Gilbert's mother, who's overweight. Scenes of townspeople taunting Arnie and Mrs. Grape could be upsetting.
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 how Gilbert becomes the breadwinner and caretaker for the family after his father's death. How much sacrifice does family demand? How can individuals meet their own needs when they need to take care of their families? Gilbert's family faces a lot of negative attention from the town, and he struggles to remain loyal. What qualities are worth loving? Is there love in the Grape family?
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More on What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
What’s the Story?
WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE is a strange and touching take on family life. Gilbert (Johnny Depp) lives in a small town in Iowa with his family, including his housebound mother (Darlene Cates) and his mentally challenged brother, Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Gilbert is the only one with a job and has the additional worry of caring for Arnie, who loves to climb the town water tower. When the well-traveled Becky (Juliette Lewis) arrives in town for a short stay, Gilbert starts to dream about leaving his town and his worries, which include an ill-advised affair with a married woman. Throughout the film, Gilbert is torn between his own wishes and his loyalty to his family.
Is It Any Good?
What's Eating Gilbert Grape is sometimes hard to watch, but well worth it. There are some difficult scenes dealing with hard-hearted outsiders teasing the Grape family, and some scary ones when Gilbert loses his temper with Arnie. But there are also moments of beauty and compassion, and an off-beat sense of humor throughout. A wonderful cast brings the characters to life. Watching this movie will remind viewers of Depp's talent and DiCaprio's range. The film is also a visual treat, with lush sweeps of Iowa farm country serving as a backdrop for the drama.
Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Pictures, Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Run time: 118 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1993, DVD release: 7/27/1994
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for mature themes, language.
Run time: 118 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1993, DVD release: 7/27/1994
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for mature themes, language.
Our Members Say
See 8 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
A perfect film.
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
Cute and well made
SUCH a cute movie!! good message, (it might make you cry) and sweet characters. some swearing: F**k (finger) being the worst. Harsh yelling. Some "romantic" parts, (easy to fast-forward)!! but all together a good movie to watch as a family ( with older kids ).
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Powerful and simple
To achieve film success, a movie needs to connect with the viewer in a sense that this is actuality. "Gilbert Grape" is one of those rare movies that makes you realize the evils of the world, and where we can find happiness through the smallest things. This is a must-see for any movie buff.
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
I feel so sorry for Arnie. :(
This film was really good. I loved the acting, most notably young Leonardo DiCaprio's. I feel so sorry for Arnie, he is always picked on and well, of course, he has a problem. People must see this film, although there are some mild-love scenes that younger audiences shouldn't see (but nudity) and Arnie gets slapped. But seriously, this film made me cry, but I think it's worth watching (and loving) :)
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Touching
Ok let me start of by saying that i am twelve and i just clicked the wrong button. I loved this movie personally, i thought it had a good plot, great acting, and it really just all together was great. It is not for younger kids merely because there is some inappropriate stuff in it such as Gilbert has an affair with a married woman and they do "it" but it is quite suttle and is not anythign big to worry about. After it was over i cried at the end.
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I rate this title on and give it
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I rate this title iffy and give it
Good movie but kinda inappropriate....
This is a good movie but it has some *inappropriate* things.....If you're like 13+ you should watch it.
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I rate this title iffy and give it
So sweet! I cried
This movie is really sweet. There is great acting all around, especially from Leonardo Decaprio and whoever it was that played the mom. It's about a guy who has a lot on his plate, including a messed up family and having an affair with a married person. There is one part that made me uncomfortable. 13+. It's really touching an it made me cry.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 100% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
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