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All the President's Men

(1976, Rated PG, Drama, Starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jason Robards)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Superb Woodward and Bernstein Watergate story.

Themes in this movie include:   honesty

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The movie has strong messages about persistence, hard work, and dealing with the consqeuences of your mistakes -- as well as not being afraid to question authority. On the other hand, the government is portrayed as being riddled with conspiracies and double-crosses.

  • Role models:

    Although they're flawed and not always likeable, Woodward and Bernstein are dogged reporters who pursue the truth at all costs. Some of the officials they cross paths with are much less admirable.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some tense moments.

  • Sex:

    Brief epithets.

  • Language:

    Not constant, but several uses of "f--k," "s--t," "bastard," and other words.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some drinking, and a fair bit of smoking (accurate for the era).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About All the President's Men

Parents need to know that this classic drama based on the true story of the reporters who uncovered the Watergate scandal has some tense moments, strong language (including "s--t" and "f--k"), smoking, and drinking. Kids may need some historical context in order to understand the story's complex characters and situations, but those who stick with it will take away positive messages about persistence and dedication to the truth.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Woodward and Bernstein are the only reporters interested in the story. Why did they insist on two sources before they would publish anything?
  • One of the people portrayed in the movie later testified before the Watergate Committee that he had "lost his moral compass." What does that mean? How does something like that happen?
  • How has technology changed the way that reporters do research and prepare their stories?
Tools and tips that can help

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    milograamans
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title off for age 7 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    fatcatmikez
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Entertaining & Educational (Coming From A 14-Year Old) But Today An R

    Great movie about the Watergate Scandal. All though it is entertaining & educational at the same time, and is also a classic, it is the edgiest PG film I have ever seen. If it was made today, it would be Rated R no doubt. There is an EXTREME amount of profanity (over 11 "F" words & frequent use of all the others) and an EXTREME amount of smoking (done by Dustin Hoffman) seen in 75% of the movie. There is no violence, but there are some tense moments and threats of violence (Quote from "Deep Throat": "Your Lives Are In Danger"). All though this movie can teach you alot about the scandal, it is reccomended for 15 and up.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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