 | 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. |
Erin Brockovich
- Review Date: May 18, 2003
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2000
Common Sense Media says
Julia Roberts winner. R mostly for language.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the movie's R rating comes from very strong language and some sexual references (Erin jokes that she got the cooperation of the town's residents by performing sexual favors). And no matter how high the settlement, the fact remains that children and their families were made terribly ill, and no amount of money will make up for that.
What's the story?
When she loses her lawsuit after a car accident, Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) forces the lawyer who represented her to give her a job (Albert Finney as Ed Masry). No one wants her there, and no one likes her because she has a big mouth and wears trashy clothes. But she is curious and tenacious. She gets interested in a real estate file that includes medical records, and goes off to investigate. It turns out that the community of Hinkley has been poisoned by hexavent chromium, leaching into the drinking water from a PG&E plant. Erin gains the trust of the community and helps Ed put together a case that would win the largest direct claim settlement in American history.
Is it any good?
The movie poster for ERIN BROCKOVICH says, "She brought a small town to its feet and a huge company to its knees." So viewers know where it's all going, and just settle back to enjoy the ride. And an enjoyable ride it is, too. Julia Roberts keeps getting better and better, more luminous, and at the same time more vulnerable and more in control. She plays Erin as a woman who never stopped believing in herself and yet is deeply touched when others believe in her, too. She understands the way the people in Hinkley feel, mistrustful of lawyers and overwhelmed by the odds. She understands that "people want to tell their stories." And she has enough confidence in herself to know that, while she might not have been able to keep her beauty queen promise of ending world hunger, this is a promise she can keep.
She understands, too, that there will be costs. A romance with a loving biker/nanny (George, played by Aaron Eckhart, who makes that combination endearingly believable) and her relationships with her children are threatened by her devotion to the case. In a heartbreaking scene, she is driving back home after a hard day and George tells her that her baby spoke her first word. Erin is overjoyed at the news and devastated to have missed it. The look in her eyes as George tells her all about it is complex, rich, perfect. And there are many Rocky/Norma Rae-style feel-good moments, like when PG&E's first lawyer, looking like a high school debate club president, tries to bully Erin and Ed, and when Erin uses everything from her cleavage to her baby to get access to the records she needs.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about why it is that Erin is able to connect with the residents of Hinkley, why she is reluctant to accept help from anyone, and the importance of not judging people based on their appearance. They may also want to talk about the issue of corporate responsibility. No one at PG&E wanted anyone to get hurt. How do problems like lack of accountability arise?
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- Teens & kids
Teen, 14 years old
July 22, 2011
AGE
Shows leadership and character!
I think that this movie is only rated R because it drops the F bomb a couple of times. Do you seriously think that your kids don't hear that in the locker rooms at school? It is a fantastic movie, and teaches some valuable lessons
What other families should know:
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Teen, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
I'm still can't belive this actually happened.....
Erin Brockovich must have a incredible women! This was a wonderful way to prove anything is possible.....
Best Wishes,
MovieFreak101
This movie is ok for: 15+
RIP: Ed Massey: Wonderful man and brilliant friend.
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Adult
April 24, 2009
AGE
My Review
I really enjoyed this movie and have watched it throughout the years. However due to some sexual content I don't think it would be a good one for children under 15.
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AGE
Fantastic Film Contains Heavy Language
Julia Roberts gives probably her most superb performance as Erin Brockovich, a woman who is strong and has certainly a colorful vocabulary she uses almost 93% of the time. Yet, underneath her tough mouth (yes I'm talking about language), she is an incredibly selfless, sensitive, and kind women who fights for the defenseless and never takes less than what she wants. Behind her is a talented line of actors who also very much contribute to the films strength. Such as well known screen actor Albert Finny who plays Roberts strong yet heart filled boss, who can't help but love his impossible employee. The story is one you can easily figure by looking at the tagline on the DVD cover, but even so the story is told in such a way it seems brand new and fresh, so you will probably catch yourself cheering for Roberts. But this film got a rating of R for a very good reason, language, most of it coming from Roberts mouth. The language in the film is very strong and very frequent. Other than that there are a handful of sexual references, and Erin uses her looks to get access to some files, as she clearly explains to her boss in one sentence (not to dirty). Also the story does deal with very sick people dying and suffering from numerous diseases and cancers. So I recommend to parents that this great film should be kept from children and teens under the age of 14.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
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AGE
Fantastic Film Contains Heavy Language
Julia Roberts gives probably her most superb performance as Erin Brockovich, a woman who is strong and has certainly a colorful vocabulary she uses almost 93% of the time. Yet, underneath her tough mouth (yes I'm talking about language), she is an incredibly selfless, sensitive, and kind women who fights for the defenseless and never takes less than what she wants. Behind her is a talented line of actors who also very much contribute to the films strength. Such as well known screen actor Albert Finny who plays Roberts strong yet heart filled boss, who can't help but love his impossible employee. The story is one you can easily figure by looking at the tagline on the DVD cover, but even so the story is told in such a way it seems brand new and fresh, so you will probably catch yourself cheering for Roberts. But this film got a rating of R for a very good reason, language, most of it coming from Roberts mouth. The language in the film is very strong and very frequent. Other than that there are a handful of sexual references, and Erin uses her looks to get access to some files, as she clearly explains to her boss in one sentence (not to dirty). Also the story does deal with very sick people dying and suffering from numerous diseases and cancers. So I recommend to parents that this great film should be kept from children and teens under the age of 14.
What other families should know:
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Adult
November 9, 2012
AGE
I love this movie!
What a wonderful film! The fact that it's a true story is even better. Erin Brockovich is an incredible woman. She raises three great children and needs a job to support her family. She is a smart, dedicated, out spoken person who gets things done. Her character seems wild at first because of the stress she goes through trying to feed her family but you later find out what a fantastic person she is. So caring and kind, eager to help those in need. This movie is perfect for teens who don't mind a lot of cursing and parents who don't mind allowing it. Erin swears frequently throughout the whole film and she drops an "F" bomb at least in every other sentence! There are other semi-harsh words used more than once like D@mn, Godd@mn, B*tch, Stupid, Sh*t, F-you, F-off...etc. Lots of yelling and arguing too. Erin sometimes swears in front of her kids (no f-words though). Erin has a short romantic relationship with her caring, motorcyclist neighbor, they kiss sometimes. They're seen kissing and cuddling in bed at one point. Erin is seen in her bra for a minute. There isn't much violence except the stories of people mysteriously dying or getting ill, a photo of dead chickens seen, stories may frighten younger kids. There is also some smoking and drinking (not much). All around terrific story with a lot of positive messages, a great role model and a lot you or your child can learn from. Mature 14 year olds recommended!!
What other families should know:
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| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Steven Soderbergh |
| Cast: | Albert Finney, David Brisbin, Julia Roberts |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 132 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 17, 2000 |
| DVD release date: | August 15, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | language and sexual references and situation |
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