Mrs. Henderson Presents - R

An unexpectedly classy film. Not for kids.

Rating: R for Nudity and language Studio: Weinstein Co. Directed By: Stephen Frears Cast: Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, Christopher Guest, Will Young, Kelly Reilly, Thelma Barlow Running Time: 103 minutes Release Date: 07/25/2005 Genre: Comedy

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that there is a lot of nudity and profanity in this movie, as well as adult themes. Kids aren't likely to be interested, anyway.

Families can talk about nudity and why it's so taboo in many parts of the world. Families can alsp also talk about war and how it can change a person's perspective.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Maria Llull

Newly widowed, wealthy Londoner Mrs. Henderson (Judi Dench) is dissatisfied with the lifestyle led by her fellow widow friends. On a whim, she buys a theatre, renovates it, and hires seasoned Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins) to run the show.

After the theatre opens to short-lived rave reviews, it sputters and starts losing money. Van Damm thinks it best to close but Mrs. Henderson laughs off the "defeat" and decides the best way to fill the house is to add nudity to the show. Nudity isn't allowed in the theatre, but they are able to find a loophole in the law that permits it if the models stay perfectly still. The show quickly become a hit, especially with soldiers newly embroiled in World War II.

The business partners are strong-willed and non-conventional and inevitably lock horns. But through the process, they build a strong sense of mutual respect in a partnership where both are able to get what they need.

Mrs. Henderson Presents is an artfully and lovingly made film about human frailty and the joy of being fully alive. Mrs. Henderson seems frivolous at first, but by the end of the movie it's apparent that she's driven by love, most especially a mother's love for a son lost in World War I.

Families who like this movie might also enjoy another Stephen Frears-directed movie, Dangerous Liaisons, or Steel Magnolias .

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Nudity, sexual banter, discussion of body parts.
Violence Bombing (World War II in London) including the death of a girl not shown on screen.
Language Non-hateful swearing but pointed use of the words f--k and p---y.
Message
	Social Behavior
	Commercialism An old sign for Guinness beer.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Some cigarette smoking.