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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

(2008, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Cate Blanchett, Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Compelling drama takes on big life questions.

Themes in this movie include:   dating/crushes, family relationships, growing up

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The movie's unique premise is ultimately used to convey messages about the flexible nature of family, the importance of approaching life with curiosity and enthusiasm, and the joys -- and pains -- of true love.
  • Role models:

    Because of his unusual upbringing and unconventional family, Benjamin grows up with much compassion. He's also very curious about the world and the people in it. He and Daisy have a rocky relationship, but it's clear that they care deeply about each other. A man abandons his baby on the steps of a nursing home, but a young woman rescues the baby and raises him. Some characters tease the child for his condition, but for the most part, people are kind and accepting.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A tugboat happens upon a battle at sea. Dead bodies are everywhere, with the water bloody from the corpses; the enemy fires at it. The captain is shot, and blood oozes from his chest. Some characters fire guns; there are also loud arguments.
  • Sex:

    A man stands in his skivvies in front of a mirror. Some non-explicit scenes of a couple making love; in one segment, they appear to be naked under a sheet. A boy, who looks like an old man, visits a brothel filled with scantily clad women. After some time alone with a woman (not shown on screen), he appears to have enjoyed himself thoroughly. Lovers kiss passionately. A young woman discusses having casual sex.
  • Language:

    Some cursing, including "bastard," "goddamn," "ass,""s--tless," and, infrequently, "f--k."
  • Consumerism:

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

    Some drinking, a few times to the point of inebriation. A kid, albeit one who looks older, gets drunk. Some smoking (mostly era-accurate).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Parents need to know that this moving, memorable film is a compelling exploration of life, death, and the enduring power of love. Despite such weighty subjects, older teens -- whose interest may initially be piqued by star Brad Pitt -- will likely find it engrossing, and even touching. Younger viewers, on the other hand, could be overwhelmed by the mature themes. Expect some sexual innuendo and nonexplicit clinches, swearing (including infrequent use of "f--k"), a sequence that includes a bit of bloody violence, and period-accurate smoking and drinking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the movie's messages. What is it attempting to say about life, love and death? Are these messages relatable, even though the basic premise is pure fantasy?
  • Do you think this movie could have been made without advanced special effects and computer techniques? How is this movie different from other Hollywood films, especially those that rely on more obvious effects?
  • What do you think it would be like to grow up with the zest of youth masked by an aged body?

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Our Members Say

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See all 41 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Best movie ever!

    Wonderful film! Very romantic, beautiful scenery, so heartwarming and agonizingly painful! So sweet! My name is Caroline, just like the daughter so that was a plus for me. Wonderful job and great direction. Some violent war scenes, I had to leave the room, but no guns, etc.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    teens

    it countins tons of bad scenes i regret that i showed it to my sisters! i didnt know that it wa that bad! so i went out of the middle of the movie':o

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    12 and older would be fine :)

    i liked the movie,it's a good movie but it's PG13 but i say 12 and older because since my mom is very extremly strict about watching a PG13 movie, but after my mom watched it, she said it was real good movie and actually let me watch it so i say 12 and older would be fine.

  4. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    great film, too much sex.

    This movie is obviously a great movie, but also has no business with kids under 10. Too much sex and drinking. Sex is actually one of the main issues of this fil. More than 15 sexually related things happen in this movie. Otherwise, see it, it's awesome!

  5. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    A very long big bore. Not suitable for young teens and young kids.

    It takes too long in the beginning to get to the guts of the story. The old woman in the hospital is oftentimes very difficult to understand. The story itself is probably a good one but it takes too long to tell and there are roo many random scenes that do not add benefit. Overall a big bore. The sexual scenes are not too bad... no nudity... but I wouldn't let my 11 yr old watch it. The scenes go just enough over the edge that kids should not be seeing it.

  6. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Not just another movie based off a book

    If you have the opportunity to read F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story The Curious Case of Benjamin Button before watching this movie of its namesake, I highly recommend you do so. If not, you should consider reading it as the short story begins and ends far differently than the movie. After reading the short story and then watching the film, I did see where the inspiration for this great movie derived. There's a type of character growth in Benjamin and sacrifices made are far more sympathetic than of the its original story. This movie carried along its characters with thought, humor, and care, something that was more of a dark humor in Fitzgerald's story. The Case Of Benjamin Button is a beautifully done movie, and although it bore my 9-year old niece to sleep, the teenagers were remained curious throughout the movie.

  7. I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Trying to hard to be "Titanic"

    Benjamin Button is an epic love story, one of two, its just the other one is the highest grossing film of all time. And like Titanic, BB is boring and way to long (almost three hours!!), it only gets memorable when showcasing the huge special effects. I expected more from David Fincher.

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    A slow moving movie, but a great storyline.

    The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. A movie about a child born old, and jnstead of aging, gets younger. This movie reminded me of both Forrest Gump and Titanic. Now, this film is a slow-moving flick, so kids may be bored by the lack of action in it. Some things to watch out for include primarily sexual scenes. There is some subsatnce usage in this film, and violence shouldn't be a problem. There is a scene where a tug boat is attacked by a German U-Boat, this may be intense to young viewers (8 or younger), but if your child has seen any of the Star Wars films and handled them fine, they should be good. Language shouldn't be much of a concern, but watch out for a 12 year old kid dropping the f bomb towards the end. Finally, we look at the sex/nudity. Towards the end, there is a scene where the main characters are engaging in sexual intercourse, and this is shown from a distance, as it also happens at other places too. An "old" man goes to a whore house, but nothing explicit is shown. Close to the very end, a woman and man have sex, nothing is shown but the woman in her undergarments getting dressed. Overall, this movie isn't the most exciting movie, but if your child has seen either Titanic or Forrest Gump, they should be fine.

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Utah
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    the curious and great case of benjamin button.

    The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was one of the best films of 2008 and is a feat is special effects and has a great story full of adventures for it's key character.

  10. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

  11. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Idaho
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message

    You should think twice before going with a teen.

    In the first hour and a half, the main character has sex with three different women. That's just way over the top, and comletely uncalled for. Then you add inappropriate words on top. Way too mature for younger audiences.

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    AMAZING!!!

    the best movie i have ever seen

  14. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 5.0

    Depressing but AMAZING

    I am twelve and I just saw the movie today. I was crying and crying and crying and 5 minutes. It was SO SAD! I had to leave the room every now and then because it was SO DEPRESSING! My aunt who is 27 said she felt like jumping off a bridge after she saw it. It is EXTREMELY GOOD though. When you are under 14, you can watch it because it IS APPROPRIATE, but hard to handle. I don't think I should have been watching it, but the overall movie does get an A+! It was very touching and emotional, so if you can take those kind of movies, you will love this.

  15. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

    Very Deep

    This is an excellent movie. It really makes you think. While it does drag a bit at points, keep holding on for its fantastic ending.

  16. I rate this title off for age 15 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Mature subjects not suitable for young teens

    Mature subjects, long storyline, sexual content, bloody war violence and intense scenes may not be suitable for people aged 15 and under. This is pretty much an adult film. But maybe because of the fantasy element, kids might like it. Parents are cautioned.

  17. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    overhyped

    Wow. Did I miss something? this was like watching paint dry to me...too long and frankly, the CGI was just creepy

  18. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    amazing!

    Best film ever just as good as forest gump and is my familiys best film!

  19. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

  20. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 2.0

    brad brad this film is to long

    you could wipe out 40 minutes and still come across the same point you don't deserve an oscar clint eastwood does gran torino now the film dosen't deserve best picture that should have gone to the dark knight traji p henson amd tilda swinto deserve oscars but otherwise nothing

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