 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Doubt
- Review Date: December 11, 2008
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Brooding, play-based drama isn't for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this brooding, play-based drama isn't for kids. It tackles questions about God, faith, and evil in a way that will most likely be either uninteresting or too complex for young audiences. Though children are in the cast, the movie's themes are mature -- particularly the question of whether or not a priest has abused a child and how doubt about what happened undoes three main characters. Another storyline examines the patriarchal nature of the Catholic church, despite its dependence on the good works of its (female) nuns. Though there's little swearing, violence, or drinking, the movie isn't meant for kids (and isn't particularly likely to interest them, either).
What's the story?
It's 1964, and young Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is transforming a Bronx parish with his thought-provoking homilies and easygoing manner. Already, the area's parochial school is feeling the winds of change: It has just admitted its first African-American student, Donald Miller (Joseph Foster). Taking it all in -- and not in stride -- is Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep), the fearsome school principal who's not entirely sure about a priest who takes three cubes of sugar in his tea and wears his fingernails long. After novice teacher Sister James (Amy Adams) informs Sister Aloysius that Father Flynn called Donald to a private meeting from which the child returned with a whiff of wine on his breath, Sister Aloysius becomes certain that the priest has made inappropriate advances on the boy. She won't rest until all suspicions are laid to rest (hell hath no fury like a nun scorned), but what she uncovers is spiritual and emotional ambiguity.
Is it any good?
On Broadway, John Patrick Shanley's DOUBT, winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, riveted audiences with its unremitting scrutiny of faith and its worthy adversary: uncertainty. Often, adapting a play of this magnitude for the big screen gives birth to disappointment, but Doubt survives as an engrossing, provocative drama.
Yes, there's a heavy handedness to the direction that's better suited to the stage. There are also far too many portentous elemental triggers (the wind-spun leaves, lashing rain, dreary skies -- we get the message, the end is bleak). And the usually excellent Adams is only passable here. Still, you can't deny the powerful themes Doubt dares to take on: Is it true, as Father Flynn says, that doubt can be "a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty"? Or is it, by its very nature, bad for the faithful? The film may not answer all of these questions mightily, but at least it tries.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's messages. What is it saying about religion? The Catholic church in particular?
Why do Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn clash? Who's right, and who's
wrong? And what of doubt? Do you think Father Flynn is guilty or
innocent?What
characteristics do movies based on plays tend to have in common? Do plays always make
good movies? Why or why not?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Confusing for young teens and tweens
This movie will confuse a lot of younger teens like myself and tweens. I think to fully understand the concept of this movie you have to be at least 16.
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AGE
Good for older teens, but iffy for younger teens and not for kids
This was a great movie. There was nothing graphic shown or talked about, but the theme of child molestation is for more mature teens. The movie's theme about whether to act on gut feelings versus factual evidence was thought provoking and a good message. It also showed how acting on gut suspicion can lead to consequences effecting other peoples lives. Meryl Streep was awesome as the strict and unemotional nun. I think my 16 yr old daughter will enjoy this and it will be something for her to think about. I don't think my 13 year old son would enjoy it - it's a bit slow for him.
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AGE
i didn't think there was anything that bad in that movie. they was really no language. and no sex. i mean the message of doubt wasn't that good. because the nuns are trying to figure out if the priest had an relations with Donald miller, but nothing was ever shown. i don't find anything wrong with 13 years or old seeing that movie.
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AGE
Mature Kids Love It
I loved this movie! Mature kids will appreciate the great acting and script... nothing really innapropriate per se, just the topic,
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AGE
Depends on the child...
This is a very provoking movie. Nothing is ever explicit. I'm 13, and I'm really glad my parents let me see this movie. The two main things you would worry about is if your child will understand, and many may be disappointed by the unresolved ending.. The only thing I didn't like about this movie is it tried to cover too many things, instead of just focusing on the issue. It was very honest about the goings-on in the catholic churches without pointing fingers. It was amazing. I would advise parents just to think about their child before they let them watch it.
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AGE
Some "Doubt" in this movie
Although they all got beat out at the Academy Awards by other talented actors, the acting in this film is flawless, but on the other hand the movie itself is OK. The problem with the movie is that they don't get the young boys' perspective and that is the main plot of the movie about the priest(Phillip Seymour Hoffman) commiting a crime towards the boy. But Streep's terrific acting and supporting cast is worth renting.
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AGE
there is no sexual elements seen but the whole movie is about a priest molesting a child
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AGE
Very mature, but fantastic
I have a very mature and philisophical taste, but many teens probably will not appreciate this movie for the masterpiece it is. Absolutely phenomenal acting. Very deep, and really makes you examine yourself, your judgement and what you believe in. Stunning.
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AGE
Outstanding Entertainment, but in a dark, dreary form!
Im not saying DOUBT was bad, it was amazing in fact! But it's very cark ang at some points depressing overall, its a fantastic drama with outstanding performances and an entirely complete and compelling story!
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AGE
Very thought provoking
The movie is PG-13 due to thematic elements that younger kids won't understand fully. There is talk about abuse, but not in any real detail. Amazing acting by nearly everyone in the cast. Not for everyone.
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| Studio: | Miramax |
| Director: | John Patrick Shanley |
| Cast: | Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 104 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 12, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | April 7, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic material |
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