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Harold and Maude

(1971, Rated PG, Comedy, Starring Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    A classic of dark comedy.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Maude steals, resists arrest, and drives recklessly. But she also teaches Harold to embrace life.

  • Violence:

    Harold's faked suicides are grisly, though no one is actually injured. Maude decides to end her own life.

  • Sex:

    Sex implied when college-age Harold wakes up beside 80-year-old Maude.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Harold and Maude

Parents need to know that this movie deals with strong adult themes, such as Harold's obsession with suicide, and makes references to the Vietnam War and the Holocaust. But the overarching message of embracing life is a good one, especially for moody teens.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Harold acted out the way he did. What was he trying to get from his increasingly violent suicide attempts? How does Maude use humor to cope with things that Harold may find paralyzingly depressing?
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