One True Thing
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Probably won't appeal to teens.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–15
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of One True Thing was written by Nell Minow
Parents need to know that brief profanity earns this film an R rating, and there are intense and disturbing scenes concerning Kate's illness and euthanasia. The movie probably will not have much appeal for teens, who are seldom ready to consider their parents as fully human, but those who want to see it may come away with a better appreciation for the complexity of relationships and the diversity of accomplishments.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about this movie's messages about the complexity of relationships and the diversity of accomplishments.
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More on One True Thing
What’s the Story?
Based on Anna Quindlen's novel, ONE TRUE THING is the story of a young writer who learns the value of her mother when she goes to care for her during her treatment for cancer. New York Magazine writer Ellen (Renee Zellweger) has always rejected her mother's homey values to follow the career of her father, a distinguished literary critic, professor, and author. As Ellen cares for her mother, she finds that her father is less than she thought, and her mother is more. In understanding and accepting her parents as fully human, Ellen begins to be more fully human herself. She gains an appreciation for her mother's strength. The community and domestic projects Ellen had seen as unimportant busywork she learns to see as an essential source of sustenance.
Is It Any Good?
Meryl Streep shines as Ellen's mother Kate, not afraid to show us the irritating side of Kate's sunny personality and the impatience she reveals as she acknowledges that she has to insist on her opportunity to talk about what is important to her before it is too late. William Hurt plays Ellen's father George. He show us that his hypocrisy comes from weakness, insecurity, and fear, in a way harder for Ellen to take than if it had been based only on selfishness.
One True Thing probably will not have much appeal for teens, who are seldom ready to consider their parents as fully human, but those who want to see it may come away with a better appreciation for the complexity of relationships and the diversity of accomplishments.
Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures, Director: Carl Franklin
Run time: 127 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/30/1999
MPAA Rating: R for language and issue of euthenasia
Run time: 127 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/30/1999
MPAA Rating: R for language and issue of euthenasia
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