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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

(1999, Rated NR, Drama, Starring Paul Benjamin, Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee)

  • 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

    Forceful telling of Angelou's coming-of-age book.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Maya's father is a womanizer, her mother a card dealer in a gambling house.

  • Violence:

    We see the violent beginnings of a rape of the very young protagonist. We don't see any more of the assault, but it's clear what is about to happen. When Maya identifies her rapist, her uncles kill him.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Parents need to know that this movie depicts the violent beginnings of a rape of a very young protagonist. The entire assault isn't shown, but it's clear what will happen. When Maya identifies her rapist, her uncles kill him. The movie also conveys strong messages about overcoming adversity and learning to love yourself as you are.

Read our full review by Randy White

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the book and movie differ or are the same. In this case, the author of the book adapted it for the screen, but when a book is dramatized, it's more common for someone else to write the script. Do you think it made a difference for the author herself to do the screenplay? If so, how?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    RBass
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Khrystelle-Wa
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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