Tools for this page
Print

Hounddog

(2008, Rated R, Drama, Starring Robin Wright Penn, Dakota Fanning, Ryan Pelton)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Notorious Dakota Fanning indie too adult for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A girl who loves singing Elvis songs above all else loses her passion for music and life after getting raped. An African-American man is portrayed as wise and comforting; he teaches a girl about the blues. A brutal father is struck by lightning.
  • Violence:

    A young girl is raped after agreeing to take off her clothes for a teen boy. Viewers hear her scream and moan, but the camera focuses on her face and hands rather than showing the act taking place. Other disturbing images include a man being struck by lightning, a dog being shot, and a woman being bitten by a snake.
  • Sex:

    A young girl dances, swims, and hangs around in her tank top and underwear. Later she takes off her clothes in exchange for the promise of a concert ticket.
  • Language:

    Language includes "idiot," "bastard," and the "N" word used as a racial slur (the film is set in the 1950s South).
  • Consumerism:

    Just Elvis Presley music.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Several characters, including youngsters Lewellen and Buddy, smoke cigarettes. Scenes take place in a bar, where both adults and teens drink/get drunk.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Hounddog

Parents need to know that this controversial independent drama has been discussed for more than a year as "the film where Dakota Fanning gets raped." Although the scene in question is far less graphic than the hype suggests, a heavy coming-of-age drama that deals with rape, racism, and family dysfunction isn't likely to appeal to teens (or, thankfully, Fanning's many even younger fans). In addition to the notorious rape scene, someone uses the "N" word against an African-American man, a woman is bitten by a rattlesnake, a man is struck by lightning, and a dog is shot. There's also some underage drinking and smoking and mild sexuality.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why this film is considered controversial. Is it because a young girl is assaulted or because Dakota Fanning is assaulted? Why do you think Fanning chose to take a role like this? Do child stars "owe" their younger fans anything in terms of making family-friendly movies? Families can also discuss Lewellen's love for Elvis' music. Critics have said that the filmmaker used Elvis as a symbol for how art can help people transcend/escape their troubles. Is that the movie's message? What about Lewellen's behavior -- was it risky? And how is race dealt with in the film? Why is it important to keep the setting and time period in mind?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Hounddog?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Mississippi
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    MRS.MACK

    It sounds bad but i love the overall movie it great...

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Mississippi
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 4.0

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 4.0

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name