The Human Stain
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Flawed adaptation of Roth's novel isn't for kids.
Why We Rated This
for Ages 16–17
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Human Stain was written by Nell Minow
Parents need to know that this movie has some very strong language and some very explicit sexual references and situations, including nudity. Characters drink and smoke, sometimes to excess. Characters are in peril and there are some tragic (offscreen) deaths. The movie's themes about racism and "sanctimony" are provocatively presented.
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about Coleman's choices. What were the turning points? Would he have chosen differently if he had known that the world was about to change so dramatically?
More on The Human Stain
What’s the Story?
Is It Any Good?
The most affecting part of the story is the flashbacks. Young Coleman (Wentworth Miller), in love for the first time with a beautiful, intelligent, and sympathetic Midwestern girl (Jacinda Barrett), experiments with the feeling of being not black or white but just free of any color. Then he brings her home to meet his mother (Anna Deavere Smith), not letting either one know ahead of time that they're of different races. Nothing that happens in the Hopkins/Kidman segment of the story is anywhere near as compelling.
Movie Details
Run time: 107 minutes
Theatrical release: 10/30/2003, DVD release: 7/19/2004
MPAA Rating: R for language and sexuality/nudity

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