 | 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. |
Fried Green Tomatoes
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 1991
Common Sense Media says
Stirring, sizzling serving of female empowerment.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film is heartwarming but also contains many violent and scary scenes that are probably too much for young kids. Several characters die, including main characters, which may be difficult for sensitive kids or kids who have lost a loved one. The KKK has a presence in the film, whipping one character and threatening another. One main character suffers spousal abuse while pregnant. The film offers plenty of comeuppance for the bad guys, though, and focuses on the empowerment of women through their bold actions. Also of note: The subtext is that Idgy and Ruth are lesbian partners, though the film never shows anything that would make that clear.
What's the story?
Evelyn (Kathy Bates) is a repressed Southern housewife who downs a dozen candy bars a day to cope with her failing marriage when she meets the frail Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy) at a senior citizens' home. Ninny tells Evelyn the story of Idgy (Mary Stuart Masterson) and Ruth's (Mary-Louise Parker) life together in the tiny Alabama town of Whistle Stop. Nonconformist Idgy, a young woman prone to wearing men's clothes and gambling, and God-fearing Ruth face abusive husbands, the KKK, and even a murder rap together. Through it all, they raise Ruth's son, Buddy Jr., and learn how important it is to protect those you love no matter what.
Is it any good?
Like all good Southern gothic stories, FRIED GREEN TOMATOES serves up a heaping portion of tall tales, scary situations, and explorations of social issues. The story unfolds in ellipses and fable-like flashbacks that make it both spellbinding and frightening, teaching viewers the importance of altruism.
Fried Green Tomatoes wouldn't be the long-standing favorite it is without the phenomenal performances of some of the day's best actors. Bates, Tandy, Cicely Tyson, and Parker bring this tale to life. They also raise questions about whether the way we deal with issues like homelessness and racial intolerance is much better today.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about empowerment in the characters' lives. Many had to stray from the good opinions of others to feel empowered. Is ignoring your critics a good idea sometimes? Was it a good idea for Idgy? Was it good for Ruth? Why or why not? Ruth is also abused by her husband, which may be a good opportunity for parents to talk to kids about what's acceptable in relationships and how to identify someone who's abusive.
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- Teens & kids
AGE
My favorite movie
This has been my favorite movie sense I was 8..
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AGE
awesome
very good movie,but they missed the part where lady's talk about vigina's.
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AGE
Perfect for preteens!
This movie is amazing! Best ever! But, there was racism.
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AGE
one of the best
awsome movie. role models are fairly good idgy (mary stuart masterson) starts out as a thief but then learns that stealing is bad.
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AGE
Hilarious!!!!!
Great movie preteens and teens dont think it is terrible only because its old. It is great.
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AGE
Great Movie!!
This movie is about an old lady that tells stories about her exciting life with her friend. The language isn't that bad the worst it can get is the b-word. There is not one sex scene and nothing even about it. There is no blood or gore. It's a pretty good movie and I suggest it.
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AGE
Fried Green Tomatoes
Good movie for older teens. Short scenes of domestic abuse and racial violence make the movie a little intense. A few sexual comments.
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AGE
Inspirational Story
I think this story tells a wonderful story about a friendship that will never die. I love the way she stands up for herself and for her loved ones. She never backs down and believes in others. This story teaches not only to value what you have, but it also teaches us what things were really like in that time period. It is truely an inspirational story and I highly recommend it.
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| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | John Avnet |
| Cast: | Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 137 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 12, 1991 |
| DVD release date: | December 15, 1998 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | violence, thematic intensity. |
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