Tools for this page
Print

Elegy

(2008, Rated R, Drama, Starring Penélope Cruz, Dennis Hopper, Ben Kingsley)

  • 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 16, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Brainy, mature, emotional film tackles sex, love.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Men view women primarily as sexual objects. Both genders play games with each other. Couples engage in meaningless sex to fend off loneliness. But one marriage endures despite challenges; in the end, it's portrayed as a safe harbor during a difficult time. The main character, who starts out as self-serving and sexist, transforms into someone made vulnerable, though happier, by love.

  • Violence:

    Some lovers' spats, as well as conflict between father and son. Nothing physical.

  • Sex:

    Fairly frequent sex scenes showing women's bare breasts and backsides, a man's bare chest, and a couple in various sexual positions. Some detailed discussions of sexual exploits, including one crass play-by-play about a boyfriend obsessed with his girlfriend's menstruation. Discussions about infidelity; one man admits to cheating on his wife, while another is seen canoodling with a much younger woman.

  • Language:

    No steady swearing, though when strong language is used, "f--k" appears to be the word of choice.

  • Consumerism:

    Logos for the Village Voice, Beck's beer, a gelato shop. Mentions of Prado, Cuantro, and Grand Marnier. Snippets from Charlie Rose (TV show).

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adult characters drink wine and other liquor fairly frequently, though no one gets drunk.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Elegy

Parents need to know that this haunting, emotional film is best for older teens and adults. It deals with mature subjects that are hard to understand, even for grown-ups: love, fidelity, betrayal, and mortality. There's some drinking and strong language -- primarily "f--k" -- as well as partial nudity (bare breasts and backsides) and plenty of sex scenes. Men and women toy with each other in manipulative ways, and the male characters tend to regard women as sex objects. But the main character does change for the better over the course of the movie.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the movie portrays sex. What is it saying about the role that sex plays in relationships? Parents, talk to your teens about the real-life consequences and emotional issues surrounding physical relationships. Families can also discuss why Kepesh is the way he is. How does it serve him to be emotionally distant? How does it cripple him? What roles does Consuela play in his life? Is he truly in love with her, or just the idea of her? What does this movie have in common with other films about May-December relationships? How is it different?
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 Elegy?

  •  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

  • New in Theaters

    Age 7+
    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Age 7+
    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    Age 4+
    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

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.