Common Sense Note
Parents should 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.
Families who see this movie with teenagers may discuss 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?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Elisabeth Chaney
Producer Nora Ephron and director Rob Reiner make delightful, timeless romantic classics, and this is their best-known work. Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) meet for the first time while sharing a ride from Chicago to New York City. Sally is an uptight, optimistic, and intelligent person, while Harry is a thoughtful, sex-crazed chauvinist. Over a period of 10 years, they bicker, become best friends, and eventually fall in love, answering the age-old question, "Can a man and a woman be friends, without sex getting in the way?"
Many have tried, but none has succeeded in capturing the charm, wit, and chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan shown onscreen in this classic romantic comedy. Every element of this film possesses strength, including the script that (supposedly based on Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron's true-to-life on again/off again relationship). Who can forget such memorable lines as, "Oh, but 'baby fish mouth' is sweeping the nation?" and of course Rob Reiner's mother's declaration of, "I'll have what she's having." As relevant and entertaining today as it was in 1989 and probably still in 2039, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY is one movie not to be missed.
This film has a timeless quality that transcends decades, meaning that teenagers may not automatically write it off as an "old movie." Suitable for older teens and up.
Families that like this film may also enjoy other Rob Reiner/Nora Ephron collaborations like Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentNo sex depicted, but many references to sex and a simulated orgasm. |
 |
|
||
Violence |
 |
|
||
LanguageA few choice words including "f--k." |
|
|
||
Message |
|
|
||
Social BehaviorThe short vignettes highlight long-lasting, loving relationships. May create unrealistic romantic expectations for teens, though. |
 |
 |
||
Commercialism |
|
|
||
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
||
