Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there's racism and prejudice in this movie. Police officers refer to the two main characters as a "n---r" and an "old Jew." Though not shown, a Jewish synagogue is bombed. A man tells a story about a racially motivated lynching from his childhood. The beginning of the movie features a very mild, injury-free car crash and later, there's a frantic, upsetting scene that hints at Alzheimer's.
Families can talk about racism and prejudice as well as friendship. What types of racism or prejudice have you experienced? Why do you think it's difficult for people to see beyond a person's skin color or religion? Do you have any friendships with people who are outwardly very different?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Maria Llull
DRIVING MISS DAISY is the tale of an unlikely friendship between two people who need each other. Daisy Werthan (Jessica Tandy) is an elderly Jewish widow who needs a chauffeur and Hoke Colburn (Morgan Freeman) is a career chauffeur who needs the income the job provides.
The independent Miss Daisy resists being driven and Hoke, who was hired by Miss Daisy's son (played by Dan Aykroyd), employs patience and grace to make the transition.
Hoke is a black man and though Daisy doesn't believe she is racist or prejudiced, she's confronted with the issue on more than one occasion. The two realize that though their income levels separate them, they are both targets of hatred based simply on who they are.
Though Driving Miss Daisy is charming and not at all violent or raunchy, it's nonetheless an adult movie. The themes of prejudice and racism and growing old are presented in a way that's a bit too heavy for young kids.
Grown-ups will probably enjoy watching the friendship that develops between the two main characters, though some may be put off by Miss Daisy's sour attitude and her refusal to budge on some issues that have to do with treating Hoke more like a friend and less like a servant. Hoke, on the other hand, is such a warm-hearted gentleman that he balances out the negativity and brings the most beauty to the film.
Families who like this movie might also enjoy Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias .
Rate It!
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ViolenceMild car crash and mention of a synagogue being bombed. |
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LanguageN-word and other racial slurs. |
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Social BehaviorVerbal racism and prejudice. |
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