 | 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. |
Girl, Interrupted
- Review Date: October 19, 2005
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 1999
Common Sense Media says
Powerful look at mental illness; ages 16+.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie is a graphic depiction of a young woman's stay in a mental hospital. It features characters with depression and eating disorders. One of the main characters hangs herself. Characters abuse prescription drugs and use strong language. Hospital scenes include graphic depictions of young women in straitjackets and those recovering from electric shock therapy. Several use highly derogatory terms when referring to their African-American nurse. Incest and the male anatomy are discussed at some length.
What's the story?
GIRL, INTERRUPTED is an unsettling, provocative account of a girl's journey through the depths of depression and her coming-to-terms with both her illness and with growing up. Based on a memoir by author Susanna Kaysen, the film chronicles the protagonist's suicide attempt, her relationship with her emotionally remote parents, as well as her intense relationships with other patients while she is hospitalized. The film's depictions of the characters' various illnesses are downright scary: from a girl who is addicted to laxatives and obsessed with chicken to a girl who can't cope with a disfiguring facial burn. Girl, Interrupted is at its best when exploring the struggles of Susanna's cohorts in the hospital. Moreover, the film's depictions of mental health care in the 1960s are equally disconcerting and discomforting.
Is it any good?
Unfortunately, Girl, Interrupted lapses into morbid melodrama at various points. Viewers will be interested in the strong, often painful friendships that Susanna forged with other girls in the hospital. However, the frequent, garish, shrill confrontations between the girls seem highly unrealistic. This is a profound weakness in a film that is, otherwise, an introspective account of mental illness that feels -- painfully and candidly -- real.
Because the film features popular actresses like Angelina Jolie, Brittany Murphy, and Winona Ryder, kids will probably be familiar with this film and want to see it -- particularly because it's the movie that made Jolie a star. Yet it contains such serious subject matter --including incest, suicide, and drug abuse, to name a few --that parents should consider either watching it with younger teens or limiting it to older teens. It's definitely not appropriate for younger viewers.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the impact of Susanna's illness on the various decisions she makes. How did Susanna's depression influence her behavior with Professor Gilcrest and Toby Jacobs? Families could also discuss Susanna's relationship with Lisa. How did Lisa both help and hurt Susanna's recovery? Parents might talk with their kids about characters' abuse of prescription drugs throughout the film. How was Susanna different when she took her medications as directed by the doctors? Susanna states that she is being unfairly labeled "promiscuous" because she is a sexually active girl. Why might people judge boys differently than girls when it comes to sex? Is Susanna right?
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AGE
This is by far the best supporting actress role ever! Angelina Jolie is brilliant, there is no doubt that she can act after this movie because she has some of the most true,most horrifying and most brilliant lines ever written and they will stay with you forever. This is a movie that truly shows you what life was like in a mental institution, it was a good hard look at a girl's life and how she handled her problems. And there are things that will haunt certain childern but once you hit high school you start to think like Susanna (winonna rider) and this movie is so good for a high school kid to watch because it shows them that not everyone is ok and that it's good to talk about your problems,
Its also shows people how to make good friends and not because their friend is a sociopath (Lisa/ JOlie's character is) but whether or not that friend is helping you or holding you back.
I loved this movie, everytime i feel insecure or upset i watch a few of Angelina Jolie's senses where she has some great lines and i feel better, GREAT FILM!!!
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AGE
I wanted to see this movie because winona ryder is one my most favorite actors.It was a good movie and when i realized it was based on a true story i decided to look up the real susanna kaysen.There are some scenes that are quite disturbing but some scenes that are funny like the ice cream shop scene.Anyways this movie was terrific and maybe ill read the book someday.
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AGE
This is an incredibely good movie with good acting galore, see angelina jolie, wiyonna ryder, and brittany murphy, really the whole cast. It is not on the entireluy appropraite scale but it is good heartwarming, and has good morals
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AGE
An Almost-Perfect Account of Mental Illness in the 60s
This is a great movie stuck in a good movie's body. Winona Ryder and (especially) Angelina Jolie are tremendous, and pull off some painfully tense scenes that will stick with you long after viewing. The film tells the true story of Susanna Kaysen, an eighteen year-old girl who chased a bottle of Asprin with a bottle of vodka, but denies that she was trying to kill herself. She is sent to a top-notch mental insitution and suspiciously diagnosed with "Borderline Personality Disorder." There, she befriends Lisa (Jolie), a sociopath who controls relationships. The film then poses some very interesting questions: Is Susanna insane? Did she try to kill herself? Where does the line between sanity and insanity blur? However, these questions are sometimes squandered by harsh treatment, taking great performances and subject matter and turning them (at times) to an overwrought soap opera. However, the breakout performance by Jolie and the deep subjrct matter mmake it well-worth seeing. You can only wish for more.
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AGE
Perfect for older kids, just not for teens
I loved this movie. It's a very emotionally stirring film that deals with tough subjects including depression, eating disorders, cutting, suicide, drugs and smoking that older teens can relate with. Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie were great in this movie.
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AGE
Hard to understand for the youngsters, overall good movie!
It is a very good movie & makes you want to not stop watching it. Very interesting, though shows some mentally ill women in different various situations. It's a bit disturbing for the youth.
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AGE
Psychology lovers will love this one
Great acting in this very powerful mental health movie about a girl's experience at a psychiatric ward. Drug use & language is a bit too over the line for younger viewers to see. Some areas in the movie are hard to understand. This movie is best intended for an older audience. Very moving. You don't want to keep your eyes away from it. Strongly recommended, especially for psychology lovers.
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AGE
Intense and powerful, and features a truly amazing performance from Angelina Jolie. A great film.
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| Studio: | Sony Pictures |
| Director: | James Mangold |
| Cast: | Angelina Jolie, Clea Duvall, Winona Ryder |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 127 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1999 |
| DVD release date: | June 6, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | strong language and adult content |
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