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The Hours

(2003, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Smart, thoughtful movie for older teens and up.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 15 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Issue of women's options
  • Violence:

    None Suicides
  • Sex:

    Sexual references and situations including same-sex kisses
  • Language:

    Some strong language
  • Consumerism:

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

    Drinking, smoking, and prescription drug use
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Hours

Parents need to know that this movie has tense and sad situations, including two suicides and one near-suicide. A character speaks of having to have a serious operation. There are sexual references and situations, including artificial insemination and same-sex kisses. Characters use strong language. Gay and bi-sexual characters are positively portrayed though sometimes anguished and isolated.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what this means, and how most of us are defined and define ourselves not by huge heroic adventures but by small connections and kindnesses. What did Virginia, Laura, and Clarissa find to give value and meaning to their lives? They have people to love and people who love them - what are they missing, and why? What is the significance of those three kisses, none of which seems to give the characters the comfort and intimacy they are seeking? Why does Cunningham give us three stories touched by the fictional character created by Woolf? Does he think that any of his characters are successful? How can you tell? What book could inspire you as Cunningham was inspired by Woolf?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 2.0

    not a movie for children

    While this movie is very cerebral and of interest to adults, the implied sex and harsh language are not good for little children to see. Actually, I found it rather boring, and the sound track is grating and annoying.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Excellent Movie!!

    This movie deals with many adult issues that younger kids may not understand. But most kids over the age of 12 or 13 will understand the issues--although girls will probably enjoy the film more than boys. Some kids may find the slow pace of the film hard to sit through. The three main actors do an excellent job and potraying depression, suffering, and a feeling of helplessness. If younger kids see this film, you should discuss depression and suicide with them as these themes are repeatedely shown in the film.

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