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America the Beautiful

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Probing docu about society's obsession with looks.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The film shows the negative and often self-destructive behavior that can result from buying into an unrealistic notion of beauty. Race, as it pertains to skin color and beauty, is discussed. Michelle Taylor is shown as both pushy and insensitive about the negative impact that modeling has on her daughter. Fashion publishers/execs appear greedy as they discuss the money that can be made from people trying to obtain physical perfection.

  • Violence:

    Some brief-but-graphic footage of plastic surgery being performed.

  • Sex:

    Lots of images of models in skimpy clothing in magazines and on runways. Nudity (bare breasts) is blurred. Clips of music videos featuring women in sexy outfits and dancing provocatively (including Britney Spears and Madonna kissing) are shown. Teens discuss looking like "sluts" to get boys' attention. Gerren argues with her mother about wearing a padded bra to school.

  • Language:

    Occasional swearing includes "f--k," "s--t," "dick," and "a--hole."

  • Consumerism:

    Includes brief interviews with celebrities like Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, and Martin Short. Fashion logos for Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY, Richard Tyler , etc. and brand names like L'oreal, Dove, Sally Hansen, and others are also visible.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Alcoholic beverages (wine, cocktails) are visible in one scene.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About America the Beautiful

Parents need to know that this documentary -- which examines many Americans' unhealthy fixation with physical beauty -- looks at how the fashion and entertainment industries perpetuate an unrealistic image of female perfection that can lead to low self-esteem, eating disorders, and other problems. There's a bit of strong language (including "f--k" and "s--t") and some crude sexual references; women (mostly models) are seen in skimpy clothing (but any nudity is blurred). Commercial logos and designer labels are prominent, but they're appropriate within the film's context. Brief scenes of surgical procedures may be disturbing to younger or more sensitive viewers. Parents, this is a good movie to watch alongside your teen; check out some of our tips about how to talk to them about the issues the movie deals with.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether the media creates and/or perpetuates an idealized -- and unattainable -- standard of beauty. Do advertisements, music videos, and fashion magazines create these images, or do they simply reflect what people want to see? Do you think the media can cause someone to develop a negative body image or eating disorder? Why or why not? Families can also discuss modeling. How young is too young to start a modeling career? How are young models portrayed in advertisements and other kinds of media? How do you think that affects them?
Tools and tips that can help

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