 | 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. |
Driving Miss Daisy
- Review Date: June 16, 2006
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 1990
Common Sense Media says
Touching tale of an unlikely friendship.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's racism and prejudice in this movie. Police officers refer to the two main characters as a "n---r" and an "old Jew." Though not shown, a Jewish synagogue is bombed. A man tells a story about a racially motivated lynching from his childhood. The beginning of the movie features a very mild, injury-free car crash and later, there's a frantic, upsetting scene that hints at Alzheimer's.
What's the story?
DRIVING MISS DAISY is the tale of an unlikely friendship between two people who need each other. Daisy Werthan (Jessica Tandy) is an elderly Jewish widow who needs a chauffeur and Hoke Colburn (Morgan Freeman) is a career chauffeur who needs income. The independent Miss Daisy resists being driven and Hoke, who was hired by Miss Daisy's son (Dan Aykroyd), employs patience and grace to make the transition. Hoke is a black man and though Daisy doesn't believe she is racist or prejudiced, she's confronted with the issue on more than one occasion. The two realize that though their income levels separate them, they are both targets of hatred based simply on who they are.
Is it any good?
Though Driving Miss Daisy is charming and not at all violent or raunchy, it's nonetheless an adult movie. The themes of prejudice and racism and growing old are presented in a way that's a bit too heavy for young kids.
Grown-ups will probably enjoy watching the friendship that develops between the two main characters, though some may be put off by Miss Daisy's sour attitude and her refusal to budge on some issues that have to do with treating Hoke more like a friend and less like a servant. Hoke, on the other hand, is such a warm-hearted gentleman that he balances out the negativity and brings the most beauty to the film.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about racism and prejudice as well as friendship. What types of racism or prejudice have you experienced? Why do you think it's difficult for people to see beyond a person's skin color or religion? Do you have any friendships with people who are outwardly very different?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
an excellent film on friendship in the time of segregation (and on)
I found this movie in my parent's old movie shelf, and decided to watch it. All I can say is: this is an American classic, that vrey much deserved all the awards it won, and takes a light side (in a respctful way) on the issue of segregation and friendship. Taht being the case howver, there are mild racial slurs, as is to be expected. But other than that, my whole family watched it, and there wasn't anything objectionable.
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AGE
Incredible! Must-see!
This movie is touching, and even maybe if kids find it boring, they would still partly enjoy the great friendship. I cried... and I chuckled. The end is moving.
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Kid, 12 years old
July 13, 2010
AGE
WHAT?????THE???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
why would they say n***er in this PG movie, that word's only for rated R stuff.
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AGE
A Great Movie for Most Everyone!
This is an inspiring movie filled with great role models and positive elements that promote truth, honesty, tolerance, and kindness. There is some brief language: infrequent "d**n"s and "h**l"s, and occasionally the nasty racist term "n****r".
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AGE
Well worth watching with your kids, 10 and up.
This is such an awesome movie. Since my 10 yr old just spent a month studying black history, the racial slurs and discrimination were expected in historical perspective, and actually reinforced what she had already learned about the various time periods it covered. Without the background though, it would require some pre-discussion. The friendship brought tears to my eyes, and sparked a conversation about alzheimers as well. Excellent movie, just remember that PG means GUIDANCE, not approval!
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AGE
Important issues in a safe setting.
Tastefully done predjudice and the n word in the movie are things that parents should be talking to their children about. I said 10+ because it's not a fun/silly childrens movie, but I think the issues in the movie would be good to discuss with children of any age.
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AGE
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
Hopelessly politically correct.
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AGE
Superb, quiet film
"Miss Daisy" is a charming movie to be seen by the mature of pre-teens. It tells a great story of an old woman not liking the changes of the world, and an old African-American man, played greatly by Morgan Freeman, who along their struggling trip, find friendship in each other and learn to accept prejudice.
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| Topics: | friendship |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Bruce Beresford |
| Cast: | Dan Aykroyd, Esther Rolle, Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman, Patti LuPone |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 99 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 16, 1990 |
| DVD release date: | April 30, 1997 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | mild language |
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