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Fried Green Tomatoes (PG-13, 1991)

common sense media says

Stirring, sizzling serving of female empowerment.

parents & educators say
See all 7 reviews | Review it

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.

Positive messages: Idgy steals food and a car and says bad things about church, but she's also kind-hearted, taking care of people who can't afford to pay and helping a homeless man. A preacher lies for Idgy and Big George. Evelyn smashes into another car several times, but also empowers herself by getting a job and eating healthy. Strong messages about friendship.
Violence: One character is hit and killed by a train (off-screen) at the beginning of the film, and another is almost killed by a train. Ruth's husband is abusive. He kicks her down a flight of stairs when she's pregnant, and viewers see her with a black eye. A KKK group whips Big George and threatens to steal Ruth's baby and hurt Idgy. Frank hits Sipsey and Smokey Lonesome. A character is murdered off-screen.
Sex: Evelyn fantasizes about answering her front door wearing only cellophane. There's an intense sexual connection between Idgy and Ruth, though nothing sexual or romantic happens on-screen.
Language: Considerable salty language, including "hell," "damn," "g-ddammit," "s--t," "son of a bitch," "fat bitch," "assholes," "bastards." Some KKK members also refer to African-Americans as the "N" word several times.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Idgy drinks, smokes a cigar, and gambles. Ruth gets drunk.
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What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

What's the story?

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: John Avnet
Cast: Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker
Genre: Drama
Run time: 137 minutes
Theatrical release: January 12, 1991
DVD release: December 15, 1998
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: violence, thematic intensity.
This review was written by Heather Boerner
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

luella
adult
9
 
Perfect for preteens!
This movie is amazing! Best ever! But, there was racism.
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helped me decide (12) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (9)
constantvigilance
parent
16
 
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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helped me decide (11) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (10)
awesomeman200034
kid, 13 years old
14
 
awesome
very good movie,but they missed the part where lady's talk about vigina's.
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (12)
greysfan001
teen, 15 years old
13
 
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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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (10)
lainilala
teen, 14 years old
7
 
My favorite movie
This has been my favorite movie sense I was 8..
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helped me decide (12) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (9)
golden retriever7
kid, 12 years old
12
 
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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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (7)
meme103
kid, 12 years old
11
 
Hilarious!!!!!
Great movie preteens and teens dont think it is terrible only because its old. It is great.
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (9)

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