 | 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. |
Emma
- Review Date: June 24, 2003
- PG
- Genre: Romance
- 1996
Common Sense Media says
Perfect for warmhearted family entertainment.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sweet-natured period film may not have much appeal to tweens and younger. Teens, especially those enamored of Jane Austen's novels, on which this is based, might find it enormously appealing. It revolves around manners, society, and of course romance. There's much discussion about matchmaking but no onscreen canoodling. The only language issue is that some of the people circle around what they're trying to say without actually saying it, which may be confusing. Expect some social drinking; one character blames a social gaffe on having had too much wine.
What's the story?
In this adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, young Emma Woodhouse (Gwyneth Paltrow) thinks she knows everything about love and deems herself matchmaker to her friends. She fixes up Harriet (Toni Collette) with Reverend Elton (Alan Cumming) and pairs her governess with Mr. Weston (James Cosmo). But Emma learns that she isn't as successful in the ways of love as she'd believed, especially when it comes to handsome Mr. Knightly (Jeremy Northam).
Is it any good?
This romantic movie is worthy, warmhearted family entertainment. As Emma, Paltrow is stunning -- funny and charming, but brave enough to give full weight to her character's occasional smallness and snobbery. Toni Collette, Alan Cumming, and Sophie Thompson ( as jabbering spinster Miss Bate) all turn in skilled comic performances.
While the story may seem a bit highbrow to attract a young audience, kids will warm to it. The mysterious behavior of Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax will catch their interest, and they'll find characters to identify with, regardless of the occasionally highfalutin dialogue. With its spectacular interiors and gorgeous swaths of English countryside, viewers with reasonable attention spans will find plenty to like. While die-hard Austen fans may cast a vote for the BBC version of Emma, this is a much more appealing version for a general audience.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether Austen's stories remain relevant today. What aspects are relatable in the modern world?
What do you think about Emma's hobby of setting up matches? Do you think she finds good pairs? Do you think the recipients of her attention appreciate her efforts?
Why is Emma unable to see her own romantic possibilities?
What do you think about the manners of the era? How do they differ from contemporary mores?
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AGE
Pretty Bad... not a must see
This movie was VERY boring! the only good part was the happy ending.
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AGE
Wonderfully entertaining. For girls.
I LOVED IT!!! Very appropriate and entertaining. I watched it in a mixed group however, and it is VERY MUCH a girls' movie!
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AGE
Great "girl movie" for tweens and moms on a rainy day
This is a really sweet movie! Great for all tweens and up.
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Kid, 5 years old
January 17, 2012
AGE
I like it and I am only 4
I like this movie even though its my Mommy's and she didnt expect me to like it. Linea likes it but she doesnt think I really like it and that I am just pretending but I am not and she just thinks so because she thinks that because Im only 4 I cant like something like this because its too advanced and Im too much a baby but thats not true at all and I really do like it so watch it because it is good!
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| Topics: | book characters |
| Studio: | Miramax |
| Director: | Douglas McGrath |
| Cast: | Alan Cumming, Gwyneth Paltrow, Toni Collette |
| Genre: | Romance |
| Run time: | 120 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 2, 1996 |
| DVD release date: | January 5, 1999 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | for brief mild language |
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