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When Harry Met Sally

(1989, Rated R, Comedy, Starring Billy Crystal, Carrie Fisher, Meg Ryan)
  • 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 15.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Wit- and charm-filled romantic comedy classic.

Themes in this movie include:   dating/crushes, friendship, honesty
updated 11.09.09

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–16

The good stuff

  • Role models:

    Harry and Sally have their individual quirks about love, relationships and dating, but they are essentially good people.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The short vignettes highlight long-lasting, loving relationships. May create unrealistic romantic expectations for teens, though.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    No sex depicted, but many references to sex and a simulated orgasm.
  • Language:

    A few choice words including "f--k."
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About When Harry Met Sally

Parents need to know that this movie, while set against the background of a strong friendship and filled with great romantic role models, contains many references to sex. Though no sex is actually shown, about a quarter of conversation revolves almost completely around the topic. The most famous scene in the movie is a simulated orgasm at a New York deli.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about friendships and how people can change over time, premarital sex, and the role sex plays in adult relationships, both marriage and otherwise.
  • Is Harry correct in his theory that men and women can't be friends?
  • How realistic is the outcome of their relationship?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 4.0

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0

    One of the Greats!

    I love this movie with every ounce of my being, and as I've gotten older, it has taken on new meaning every time I watch it. The whole movie is so perfect--the actors, the dialogue, and the message. Still, after watching it again last night, I know that it isn't something I'd let my 11 year old watch. It's not that he wouldn't understand, and he probably would think it's funny, but the sexual dialogue is just too much. And as far as this movie creating unrealistic expectations about romance--the thing is, most of the time, the guy does not show up on New Year's Eve to profess his love, but sometimes, it does work out that way. It's a lot of fun to believe in happily ever after!

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