Tools for this page
Print

The Cutting Edge

(1992, Rated PG, Drama, Starring D.B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly, Roy Dotrice)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Guilty-pleasure '90s romance you can skate to.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Kate and Doug are both complex, strong characters and worthy topics of conversation for families looking to discuss gender roles. Doug's family teases him for being a figure skater and there are some negative stereotypes of gay men in the film.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Doug gets pummeled by other hockey players during a game, leaving him unconscious. Lots of skating-related falling and injuries. Doug is shown in one shot wearing underwear stuffed with ice to ease pain. Kate hits Doug in the face with a hockey puck, breaking his nose.

  • Sex:

    Doug is often bare-chested and shown in bed with two different women at different times. The women are wearing a sheet and a pillow, respectively. Doug walks in on Kate naked, but the viewer only sees her bare back. There's considerable flirting and innuendo between Kate and Doug. Kate kisses her boyfriend, Hale, and later Kate and Doug kiss.

  • Language:

    Some salty language, including "hell," "goddamn," "piss," "bitch," "s--t," and "ass."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Several people drink champagne moderately at a Christmas party. Doug and Kate share an evening of binge drinking in which Kate makes a pass at Doug and passes out.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Cutting Edge

Parents need to know that this skating film's PG rating belies several scenes of mild sexuality and one scene of binge drinking presented as celebrating. Doug sleeps with different women and Kate throws herself at Doug after an all-night drinking binge. Doug gets injured twice, once by his hockey teammates and once by Kate. Doug doesn't remember the name of the girl he slept with and generally treats women as sex objects. Kate is an angry character who finds Doug a good outlet for her frustrations. Overall, the film provides a good illustration of ambitious young women and what they sacrifice to get what they want.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the double standard in behavior that's acceptable from Kate and Doug. Why is it OK for Doug to have anonymous sex with women and take weekend breaks, when Kate is required to stay around the house, skate constantly, and never see her boyfriend? Do you see double standards like that in your own lives? What do you think about Kate's priorities and how did they shift at the end of the film? Where does the pressure to succeed come from in her life? Why is your state of mind so important in any competition? What do you do to prepare for sports or tournaments?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Cutting Edge?

  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.