This film was really good. I loved the acting, most notably young Leonardo DiCaprio's. I feel so sorry for Arnie, he is always picked on and well, of course, he has a problem. People must see this film, although there are some mild-love scenes that younger audiences shouldn't see (but nudity) and Arnie gets slapped. But seriously, this film made me cry, but I think it's worth watching (and loving) :)
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What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A challenging look at the ups and downs of family.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 and Up
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
About What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
Parents need to know that this movie is more provocative thematically than others starring Depp and DiCaprio. There's bullying, disrespect, emotionally tense family scenes, and humiliation. There are some scary scenes of family fights, mostly with Gilbert's younger brother Arnie who is mentally challenged. References are made to Gilbert's father, who killed himself. Gilbert is involved with a married woman for part of the film, and there are some scenes with sexual content. Alcohol and drug use are at a minimum. The issue of tolerance is a main theme throughout the movie, centering around Arnie and Gilbert's mother, who's overweight. Scenes of townspeople taunting Arnie and Mrs. Grape could be upsetting.
Read our full review by Ellen Twadell
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about how Gilbert becomes the breadwinner and caretaker for the family after his father's death. How much sacrifice does family demand? How can individuals meet their own needs when they need to take care of their families? Gilbert's family faces a lot of negative attention from the town, and he struggles to remain loyal. What qualities are worth loving? Is there love in the Grape family?
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Our Members Say
See all 5 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives inI rate this title iffy for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:- Inappropriate sexual content
I feel so sorry for Arnie. :(
- Lives in NebraskaI rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Touching
Ok let me start of by saying that i am twelve and i just clicked the wrong button. I loved this movie personally, i thought it had a good plot, great acting, and it really just all together was great. It is not for younger kids merely because there is some inappropriate stuff in it such as Gilbert has an affair with a married woman and they do "it" but it is quite suttle and is not anythign big to worry about. After it was over i cried at the end.
- Lives in North CarolinaI rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
So sweet! I cried
This movie is really sweet. There is great acting all around, especially from Leonardo Decaprio and whoever it was that played the mom. It's about a guy who has a lot on his plate, including a messed up family and having an affair with a married person. There is one part that made me uncomfortable. 13+. It's really touching an it made me cry.
- Lives in CaliforniaI rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Good movie but kinda inappropriate....
This is a good movie but it has some *inappropriate* things.....If you're like 13+ you should watch it.
- Lives in WashingtonI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 100% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
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