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The Man in the Moon (PG-13, 1991)

common sense media says

Reese Witherspoon shines in coming-of-age tale.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say there are positive messages
  • 33% say language is an issue
See all 5 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that while this movie will appeal to teens, particularly because of the popularity of its star Reese Witherspoon, it deals realistically and seriously with issues such as: trust, family bonds, adolescent sexuality, and loyalty, as well as the fragility and unpredictability of life. References and scenes that depict kissing, lovemaking, and partial nudity are designed to treat the characters, as well as the audience, with respect and dignity; nothing feels gratuitous for teens and up. There is a particularly shocking farm accident that has dire results.

Positive messages: Adolescent behavior portrayed realistically and sensitively. Consequences of misbehavior are clear and consistent. 1950s parenting is shown to be strict, loving, and, in one instance, bordering on extreme, but true to the time and place. Human struggle between heart and mind, at any age, is examined truthfully. Role models exhibiting good values and admirable behavior are subtly drawn, but their impact is clear and heartfelt.
Violence: Horrific accident on farm involving a thresher is seen from various angles, none overly close-up, graphic, or exploitative. Teen girl is hit with belt by father.
Sex: Teen girl in bra and panties in several scenes. Young female teen shown jumping into a pond naked; it's a rear view, from a discreet distance. Naked boy swimming in pond. Older teens shown in gentle embrace, then necking passionately. Same couple is seen in soft-hued distance naked after sex.
Language: Mild swearing on a very few occasions: "you ass," "goddamn," "get your cherry," "boobs."
Consumerism: Chevrolet.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on The Man in the Moon

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how times have changed since the 1950s when this movie is set. What was important to teens then that is still important today? How does each main character show both positive and negative behavior, and how do these characters struggle between having what they want and doing the right thing? Did your feelings about Maureen change during this movie?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Dani Trant, at 14, is midway between being a child and being a grownup. Her family is close, loving, expanding (a fourth baby is due to arrive soon), and just making ends meet in the 1950s on a farm in rural Louisiana. When Court Foster (Jason London) returns with his recently widowed mom to the place next door, Dani falls head-over-heels in love for the first time. But after Court meets her older sister, Maureen (Emily Warfield), Dani's feelings about her sister, Court, and about herself, are painfully threatened. Succeeding events and one tragedy, profoundly test both Dani and her family.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Reese Witherspoon's debut performance in THE MAN IN THE MOON is an astonishing example of the right role in the right movie for the right young actress. This coming-of-age story, told with simplicity, gentleness, and a very basic faith in the power of human goodness and truth, succeeds on every level. Set in 1950, released in 1991, its message is timeless, its characters rich and nuanced. It's a familiar story made fresh and original by talented, dedicated filmmakers.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: MGM/UA
Director: Robert Mulligan
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Sam Waterston, Tess Harper
Genre: Drama
Run time: 99 minutes
Theatrical release: October 4, 1991
DVD release: January 9, 2000
MPAA Rating: PG-13
This review was written by Renee Schonfeld
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there are positive messages
  • 33% say language is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Withoutlimits
adult
12
 
Worth seeing.
Reese show us a preview of the top-notch atress she will become.
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (6)
Mom65
educator and parent of and 11 , 14 , 15 year old
13
 
Good movie, but my 14 year old daughter was quite upset by the graphic death of a main character. I also had a hard time with the whipping by a belt of a 14 year old girl. It was much more upsetting than I'd anticipated. Pretty heavy stuff. But worth seeing. It depends upon how sensitive your child is.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (7)
EmilyB123
teen, 15 years old
13
 
Appropriate for young teens and up
The setting in the movie is beautiful, the movie's plot wasn't predictable, just a wonderful coming of age movie altogether. :)
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (6)
Joshie
adult
13
 
Not A Kids Movie But Good One For An Older Teen
What I liked About The Movie was how she was a tomboy and that she really didnt pay attention till her mom bestfriend came back to her hometown and she started to like her mom friend older son and he gave dani her first kiss and she falls in love with him after he gets killed on the tractor her and the sister are deeply hurt and go to each other for help. I really like this movie brought a tear to my eye
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (5)
paltra
teen, 16 years old
12
 
This movie is very good but also very sad. There is a horrific scene with a tractors blades and might be upsetting for some.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)

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