Tools for this page
Print

The Greatest Game Ever Played

(2005, Rated PG, Drama, Starring Stephen Dillane, Shia LaBeouf, Justin Ashforth)
  • 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 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Predictable but inspiring family sports movie.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Some efforts by upper classmen to keep working class golfers out of the tournament.
  • Violence & scariness:

    Some anger displayed by father, which might worry younger viewers.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Francis has a crush on a pretty, wealthy girl: they exchange looks.
  • Language:

    Very mild.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some discreet drinking at a party and rowdy drinking and smoking in a working class pub.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Greatest Game Ever Played

Parents need to know that this movie features sustained and occasionally eruptive family tensions (father doesn't want son to play golf). Characters smoke (cigars, pipes, and cigarettes) and drink (the working class drinkers are especially rowdy in a pub scene). A couple of bystanders tease a caddy who is especially short. A budding romance between protagonists insinuates sexual interest. One golfer is haunted by images of ominous men in dark suits and tall hats, left over from a childhood encounter.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the conflict between father and son: how does Francis' desire to play golf threaten his father's pride and sense of identity? What role does Francis' mother play in the men's disagreement? Are there still class distinctions in professional sports today?

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 Greatest Game Ever Played?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    WOW!

    This movie is incredible! Personally, I hate golf but this is a really good movie. The main theme of the story is to never give up, what Shia LaBeouf's character tried numerous times. I recommend this movie to everyone.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    A great conversation-starter to watch with your kids

    This movie is about golf and is not about golf. I kept pausing it to discuss with my 9-year old son what was going on with the characters. There are issues of class, prejudice (not wanting to accept someone to the golf club who has a "French" mother), and issues about following your dream versus taking the safe road and learning a bankable trade. The movie is really beautifully shot. If your child likes golf, he or she will likely enjoy this movie, but I think even kids who aren't golfers will appreciate the story-telling, the plot, and the lovely cinematography.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Really great.

    Kudos to Shea La Boeuf for his deep portrayel and DOUBLE KUDOS to the kid who played Eddie. Eddie, the nine-year-old caddie, is fantastic!! There are some issues, however, that might make this less than suitable for younger children. There are some situations that younger children might not understand, as well as some tense situations. But for older/intelligent children, it will be a worthy experience. I, as a preteen at the time, loved it.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Amazing golf played out before your eyes,

    This is the only golf movie you should see. Why? Because this is nothing like TV golf at all. The golf shots are breath-taking and it shows how golf was better back then. Plus, golf history is learned along with a few gags from Francis' lovable caddie, Eddie.

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    A Round of (golf) applause for this one!

    This is one movie in which the acting, cinematography and message all are good, a rarity in PG movies these days. The sport and sportsmanship will appeal to all viewers, as will the strong social message and small comedic breaks. I'm surprised that "The Greatest Game Ever Played" didn't get more theater time or more hype, as it has a little something for all types. If you liked "Holes", "The Rookie", or "Glory Road", you're sure to like this one.

  7. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 3.0

    Liked it even though i'm not a golf fan

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Loved it

    I loved this movie sooo much, i cried in part of it. I thought shia labeouf who is my favorite actor was sooo hott. Im reading the book now.

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  10. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Aliens in the Attic

    Aliens in the Attic

    Silly teens-versus-aliens adventure is sure to delight kids.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

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

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

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

  • Download This

    The Time of Our Lives

    The Time of Our Lives

    Walmart-exclusive mini-CD is edgy but kid-friendly.

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
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

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