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St. Elmo's Fire

(1985, Rated R, Drama, Starring Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Soapy 20-something friends saga isn't for kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 16 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Issues of infidelity in relationships, an unflattering view of welfare recipients, a father gives up care of his baby, characters fight, one attempts to force romantic attentions on another.
  • Violence:

    A few fist-fights, a scary moment when one threatens to drop another off a fire escape.
  • Sex:

    Discreet nudity in several love scenes, frank discussions of sex .
  • Language:

    Occasional strong language.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Excessive drinking with consequences, a character frequently uses cocaine on-screen.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About St. Elmo's Fire

Parents need to know that sex and relationships play key roles in the plot of this film. While the love-making scenes are respectful and discreet, there are some frank discussions about sex in the film. Scenes feature strong language, infidelity, acts of violence, and a suicide attempt. Characters sometimes drink in excess and behave badly as a result. One character has a cocaine problem that her friends address.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the struggles of adulthood. Parents could offer unique insights about entering "the real world" in their post-school days. What kinds of responsibilities come with entering the workforce? How can the support of friends affect one's ability to develop into an adult?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    good for 13+ may have some iffy stuff for younger kids

    love this maovie an 80's classic!!! not bad compared to todays Rs. several scenes in bars,some drugs, it shows a little sex,but not to bad

  2. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    I saw this movie when I was about 9 years old and didnt like it. I thought it was going to be like breakfast club, but it was very different. Watching it now, I think it's a great movie. It deals with mature themes and there is drug use and sexual comments.

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