What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (PG-13)

A challenging film about the ups and downs of home and family.

(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

Common Sense rates it
4
Seen the movie? Review it
3476_orig.jpg
Movie details
  • Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment
  • Directed By: Lasse Hallstrom
  • Cast: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis
  • Running Time: 118 minutes
  • Release Date: 01/01/1993
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 07/27/1994
  • Genre: Drama
  • MPAA Rating: PG-13
  • MPAA Explanation: mature themes, language.

Parents need to know

Parents should that the subject matter of this movie is more provocative thematically than others starring Depp and DiCaprio. There is 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 is overweight. Scenes of townspeople taunting Arnie and Mrs. Grape could be upsetting.

Families who watch this movie will find lots to talk about. 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?

Message

Social Behavior:

A main character engages in an affair with a married character, there are some difficult scenes of overweight and mentally challenged characters being teased.

Consumerism:

Some fictionalized food vendors play a part in plot.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Some beer drinking on screen, some smoking. There is a suggestion that a character uses food as a way of turning away from reality.

Violence

Some slapping and shouting scenes involving a boy with autism.

Sex

Female/male romance, some kissing, some suggestion of oral sex.

Language

A few bad words, said quietly but with a lot of anger.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Ellen Twadell

WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE is a strange and touching take on family life. Gilbert (Johnny Depp)lives in a small town in Iowa with his family, including his housebound mother (Darlene Cates) and his mentally challenged brother, Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Gilbert is the only one with a job and has the additional worry of caring for Arnie, who loves to climb the town water tower. When the well-traveled Becky (Juliette Lewis) arrives in town for a short stay, Gilbert starts to dream about leaving his town and his worries, which include an ill-advised affair with a married woman. Throughout the film, Gilbert is torn between his own wishes and his loyalty to his family.

WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE is sometimes hard to watch, but well worth it. There are some difficult scenes dealing with hard-hearted outsiders teasing the Grape family, and some scary ones when Gilbert loses his temper with Arni. But there are also moments of beauty and compassion, and an off-beat sense of humor throughout. A wonderful cast brings the characters to life. Watching this movie will remind viewers of Depp's talent and Dicaprio's range. The film is also a visual treat, with lush sweeps of Iowa farm country serving as a backdrop for the drama.

Families who like this film might also enjoy The Color Purple and Billy Elliot.

Is it any good?

4

Other choices

Support Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is a non-profit and will receive a portion of your purchase from Pricegrabber. Learn more.

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 3 reviews.

5

Posted on 07/12/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 14

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.
4


Posted on 03/12/07 by dancingwithmyself Kid contributor, age 13

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.
5


Posted on 02/22/07 by Yes.Dear Kid contributor, age 12

Adult Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no adult reviews.

Kids Reviews

There are 3 reviews.

5

Posted on 07/12/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 14

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.
4


Posted on 03/12/07 by dancingwithmyself Kid contributor, age 13

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.
5


Posted on 02/22/07 by Yes.Dear Kid contributor, age 12
Review It
What do your kids do online?
Surf
34%
Homework and research
19%
Download music
10%
Chat with friends
37%
132 votes