 | 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. |
Higher Ground
- Review Date: August 26, 2011
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Moving drama about faith and doubt dares to be smart.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this affecting, complex drama depicts a faithful woman struggling to reconcile her doubts with her religious beliefs. It's a bracingly honest portrayal that doesn't buy into the typical stereotypes of either the pious or the questioning. The lead character starts her relationship with God in earnest as a teen mom; the road that leads her there is revealed straightforwardly: She's shown having premarital sex (though there's no nudity) and struggling to understand the adults around her, many of whom have lost their moorings themselves. These are heavy themes, which -- along with the movie's sexual content (in addition to teens having sex, characters also frankly discuss body parts and how to pleasure the opposite sex) and swearing -- makes it a better fit for older viewers.
What's the story?
As a teenager, Corinne finds religion after she and her young husband, wannabe rock star Ethan, nearly lose their child in a car crash. Her love of Jesus takes precedence over her love of books -- and nearly everything else. As a grown woman (Vera Farmiga), Corinne becomes one of the most active and beloved members of her evangelical church. Ethan (Joshua Leonard), too, takes a leadership role, playing his guitar and ministering to others. Corinne's love for the Lord is unshakeable. But her faith isn't, especially as she tries to understand the doubts that creep in when the church's chauvinistic ways assert themselves and when her best friend, Annika (Dagmara Dominczyk), is irrevocably damaged after illness and surgery. Meanwhile, Corinne opens her eyes not just to her dissatisfaction with church dogma but also to her marriage's weaknesses. How can she reconcile it all?
Is it any good?
Farmgia is enormously talented, both as a director and an actress. Her Corinne is bedazzling; anytime she's onscreen, she owns it. Her expressions are never boring, often unexpected, and as authentic as you can get in a movie. Her vision as a director is impressive, too: She doesn't go for shortcuts, doesn't push one agenda over another, and seems genuinely interested in crafting a movie that asks bold questions -- and boldly attempts to make sense of them. Stereotypes are shaken, faith is embraced (without irony), and a woman struggles to balance her steadfast belief in God with her burgeoning skepticism.
The movie -- which was based on a memoir by Carolyn Briggs -- even has loads to say about female friendships and what makes some tick. Though some key scenes feel a little overcooked -- one or two of the prayer meetings border on caricature -- they are few and far between. HIGHER GROUND often takes the titular higher ground, and the movie is the better for it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the movie depicts Corinne and her faith. How does she compare to other religious/spiritual characters you've seen in other movies/TV shows?
How does the movie tackle the complex topics of Christianity, religion, and faith? How does it compare to other movies that have examined the same subjects?
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AGE
First reviewer!!! Grat movie!
Very positive role models and messages! Sex and language is an issue though....you decide. if you think your teens are mature enough to handle it, then I think this is an excelent choice for movie night!
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| Studio: | Sony Pictures Classics |
| Director: | Vera Farmiga |
| Cast: | Donna Murphy, Joshua Leonard, Vera Farmiga |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 109 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 26, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | January 10, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | some language and sexual content |
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