Probably one of the best romantic comedies in the world! It showed up on my recomendations page and so I decided to give it a shot. It is awesome!
While You Were Sleeping
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Appealing family comedy with old-fashioned feel.
Themes in this movie include: dating/crushes, honesty, loss
updated 11.10.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
The good stuff
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Role models:
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 While You Were Sleeping was written by Common Sense Media Editors
Parents need to know that this movie is basically an old fashioned comedy with a bit of cursing and some selfish behavior. There's also a bit of sexual innuendo.
Families Can Talk About
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More on While You Were Sleeping
What’s the Story?
Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is a Chicago El train token collector who has a crush on a man (Peter Gallagher) who doesn't even know her. Then one day she sees him being mugged and pushed onto the El tracks -- she rescues him and goes with him to the hospital, where a nurse overhears her say to herself, "I was going to marry him." Soon everyone, including Peter's family, thinks she's Peter's fiancé, and Lucy soon finds herself too caught up in the affectionate madness to tell the truth. Even after Peter wakes up -- not remembering her but assuming it's amnesia -- and Lucy realizes she actually loves his brother, Jack (Bill Pullman), she still can't tell the truth. Will she end up marrying the right brother?
Is It Any Good?
This sweet, romantic fairy tale made a star out of Sandra Bullock, and gave Bill Pullman the chance to show off his softer side. Both give charming performances, and they're supported wonderfully by Peter Boyle, Jack Warden, and Glynis Johns. As Jack's eccentric family, these screen veterans provide a humorous backdrop for the story. Their good-natured warmth makes Lucy's pretense understandable, if not acceptable.
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING has an old-fashioned feel. While it's patterned after the classic romantic comedies of the 1930s and 1940s (It Happened One Night, The Philadelphia Story), it's not up to the lofty standards of these predecessors. Still, the movie's clever writing, gentle humor, and strong performances make up for its shortcomings. It is a good choice for parents to watch with their older kids, because there's something here to appeal to both generations. A 14-year-old viewer identified with the main character's romantic longings, and her adult companion liked the movie's light humor and happy resolution.
Movie Details
Studio: Hollywood Pictures, Director: Jon Turteltaub
Run time: 103 minutes
Theatrical release: 4/21/1995, DVD release: 2/4/1998
MPAA Rating: PG for some language
Run time: 103 minutes
Theatrical release: 4/21/1995, DVD release: 2/4/1998
MPAA Rating: PG for some language
Our Members Say
See all 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
Watch This Movie and Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Remember this movie...
I can't believe this showed up in my reccomendations! I remember watching this movie with my parents. Although the cover gives the entire movie away. :p
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING does one thing: highlights the sex appeal of the two stars, Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman, by giving them numerous times to melt in each others arms and stare smoldering into each other's eyes. The story is ridiculous: Bullock saves her dream man from a mugging, pretends to be his fiance while he's in a coma, and then falls head over heels for his brother. However, Bullock pulls it off. She is really the only great thing about this film, which is otherwise full of holes. In the end, you are completely moved by Bullock's tearful scene at the movie's climax. There is little objectionable material. There is a running joke about a man who has only one testicle. Brief mention is made of a sexual relationship, and there are a few "d**n"s and one "b****rd".
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
Definitely not appropriate for under 12 !
I really like this movie myself, but more conservative parents might object to the language and innuendo. One character lies to others that he's having a sexual relationship with another character. One character is cheating on her husband who IS THERE and knows about it and wants her back. This same cheating wife calls another character a "one-balled bast**d". When the main character states that she and her alleged-fiance are waiting until they're married to have a sexual relationship, her best friend looks at her like she's crazy!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
A must-see for tweens!!
I watched this movie for the second time, after seeing it a really long time ago, and I loved it. It's a great, funny romance, with great actors, and clever plot. There's a few things brought up about underwear, but it really isn't a problem, and although the main character lies about the main plot, I think that's what makes it interesting. I think ages 9 and up. MUST WATCH!!!!!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Perfect for mother-daughter movie night!
This is such a sweet and romantic movie. Another plus - it's funny! Sandra Bullock is perfectly charming and sweet in her role. I love her weird and annoying neighbour! SO FUNNY. Rent it - you won't be disappointed.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
I love it!!!
Are you looking for a fun,sweet, oldfashioned , romantic comedy for the whole family? If you are "While You Were Sleeping" is the movie for you and your family! I personally loved this movie and I think you'll love it too! This movie has just a speck of adult humor but most of it is family friendly!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 50% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
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