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Chaplin (PG-13, 1993)

common sense media says

Bio of comic legend falls short of greatness.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie based on Chaplin's autobiography focuses on the great comic's life events, rather than his talent. Some aspects of his life are sad and disturbing, such as his mother's devolution into madness. Expect non-sexual female nudity and social drinking, plus references to women as "bitches," reflecting the inequality of the time.

Positive messages: Charlie's relationship with women is not always healthy. He seeks underage or younger women to consort with, though he usually ends up marrying them.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some nudity: women getting into costume before going on stage are in various states of undress, plus a brief full-body female nude shot before bed.
Language: "Bitch" and "ass" used with moderate frequency.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some drinking of champagne and scotch in ballroom situations.
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More on Chaplin

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what it means to be famous. How did Charlie's life change from his days in London to those in Hollywood? How did the public react when he expressed his political views? Was he unfairly targeted? How did he use humor to raise awareness? How is that done today?

What's the story?

What's the story?
This sweeping biopic follows the great comedic figure's life as told by an elderly Chaplin (Robert Downey Jr.) to the editor of his autobiography (Anthony Hopkins). Eventually making his way to America, using his pratfalls and vaudeville comedic acts to impress producers, viewers see how Charlie Chaplin became the world's biggest star before he reached 30 years of age. But as he ages in the movie, Chaplin is haunted by the feeling that his work was never truly worthwhile. When he sticks his neck out politically, making a spoof of Adolf Hitler in The Great Dictator, he catches the unwanted attention of the head of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover (Kevin Dunn), who eventually engineered the artist's exile.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Though Robert Downey Jr.'s age-defying portrayal of the comic genius is spot-on, the overall movie meanders vaguely through the actor's life. Scenes depicting the depression years and Chaplin's return to London border on schmaltz. But the last scene, where an elderly Chaplin accepts an honorary Academy Award, ends the movie with dignity. See this one if you are a fan of Robert Downey Jr., but if you like Charlie Chaplin, you might prefer seeing his own movies instead.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Lionsgate
Director: Richard Attenborough
Cast: Kevin Kline, Penelope Ann Ann Miller, Robert Downey Jr.
Genre: Drama
Run time: 135 minutes
Theatrical release: October 16, 1993
DVD release: October 14, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: nudity and language
This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

internetpro
kid, 11 years old
10
 
soso
oh come on people seriously this movie ive seen it when i was fourthis is black and white theater its healthy for childrens mind to learn from the 50's but still there will be drugs and all but how many times have you not seen your parents smoke a ciggar or a tabbaco or drink wine
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korlak
adult
15
 
Great movie although too much female nudity
I personally love this movie but I'd be very careful about showing it to your children seeing as this so called PG-13 movie contains an awful lot of female nudity. Two scenes if I remember correctly. One at the beginning in the dressing rooms, you see at least a dozen bare breasted women getting dressed for a performance. then another when a woman is preparing for bed with chaplin
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