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Mask (PG-13, 1985)

common sense media says

Complex, moving story most appropriate for teens.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this drama has moments of heartwrenching sadness, but that it's ultimately an inspiring story.

Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some.
Language: Some strong language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some drinking.

More on Mask

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the way that Rocky tries to show Diana what colors look like? If you were going to try to explain colors to a blind person, what would you do? What tastes, smells, touches and sounds would you use to give a blind person the feelings of red, yellow, blue, pink, green? Why don't Diana's parents want her to see Rocky? Does that surprise you? How do Rocky and Rusty take care of each other? Give some examples. Why is Rusty better at taking care of Rocky than she is at taking care of herself? Were you surprised by the tenderness of the bikers? In what way were they like a family? In what ways is it harder for Rocky to resolve his feelings of teenage rebellion than it would be for you?

What's the story?

What's the story?
MASK is based on the true story of Rocky Dennis (Eric Stoltz), a teenager with a genetic defect that turned his face into a huge "mask" of bone. Rocky's mom, Rusty (Cher), is a wild, tough woman who constantly fights for her son's right to lead a normal life. When a new doctor tells Rocky he's got just a few months to live, mom and son refuse to listen since Rocky has outlived earlier diagnoses. When Rocky becomes a counselor's aide at a summer camp for the blind, he meets Diana (Laura Dern). Romance blossoms, but Diana's parents disapprove. Back at home, Rocky battles with his mom about her alcohol and drug abuse, and driving out her boyfriend Gar (Sam Elliott). For her son, Rusty cleans up. On some level she knows that he is nearing the end, and she wants him to die knowing that she will be all right.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This is not a typical "disease of the week" movie about someone triumphing over adversity. It is a far more complex and moving story about two people who love and care for and about each other. Though in other aspects of her life Rusty is completely irresponsible, even dissolute, with Rocky she is the ideal of maternal strength and commitment. And Rocky is a source of strength for her, too, acting almost as her parent.

The movie has several exceptionally touching moments, and it shows us over and over again that it is not about an "abnormal" boy in a normal world, but about a real boy in a world where everyone is different. As he says, "I look weird, but otherwise I'm real normal." Rocky has some interesting ways of coping with his problems. He has his version of Pollyanna's "Glad Game," using happy memories to help him through hard times. And his mother, who herself uses drugs, helps him manage his headaches without drugs by "talking them away."

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Peter Bogdanovich
Cast: Cher, Eric Stoltz, Sam Elliott
Genre: Drama
Run time: 120 minutes
Theatrical release: March 8, 1985
DVD release: September 7, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13

This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Skyrock5
teen, 16 years old
 
Truly great! Really, really amazing movie that can at no point be classified as a cliche, or anything similar. Its filled with enough hope for a whole movie audience, and enough smiles to last to the very end of the movie. But, this is a tough drama, and viewers should be prepared for it. I wouldn't reccommend it for a little Saturday light comedy, far from it. Its realistic, and emotional. But, its also amazing and can really make you see things in a different light.

vrumayo90210
teen, 17 years old
 
One of the best and saddest movies in the world!
This movie is the best. I love how everyone in Rocky's mom's motercycle gang accepts Rocky for how he is. This really is a great movie.

shop till i drop
teen, 14 years old
 
ok movie
i have only seen some parts of this movie but ut looked ok. But it is certaintly not for younger kids due to languge, and some adult situations. and also the wqay the main character looks may be disturbing and scary for younger kids.

mrnocal
adult
 
Don't judge books by their covers
While there are some instances of drinking, smoking and drug use, it's not shown in a positive way. It's shown in a realistic way. This is such a moving story, and shows great examples of not judging by appearance. Rocky is shown as strong and stable. His mother is also strong, but not quite as stable...however, she is filled with love and determination against strong obstacles. The bikers are shown as loving and strongly bonded...not as violent or anti-society as typically portrayed in movies. They are real, caring people who just happen to ride motorcycles. The strength of Rocky serves as inspiration. Although physically deformed, he always holds his head high and excels at academics and sensibility. He inspires his fellow teenagers and shows them that even when ridiculed because of his physical appearance, he can joke about it and rise above it. The movie has some very intensely emotional scenes. I admit that I cry every time I watch it. But that's why it's such a great movie. The performances are top notch. The story is moving and quite strong. A great example to teach kids and adults to not judge based on appearance.

 
Emotional!
The message of this movie is good, but the charactors are stronger. Cher is always putting her son first and she even gives up her drug craving for him. Diane loves Rocky even though he's odd and Rocky loved Diane too. Sex : Cher brings home guys and they have sex but you cannot see this. You can see her kiss them a few times. Rocky kisses a girl once. There are terms of 'wasted' and stuff like that, Violence: mild fighting, but nothing to bad. The one scene that is a bit harsh is when Cher finds out her son is dead. She goes into the kitchen and breaks the light with a box and then smashes and of her dishes. I honestly cried in this scene because it is harsh and the ending comes at you to fast. Rocky is found dead and you can see he isn't breathing. It isn't the fact that he'd dead that bugs you, you will just feel bad how the mom reacts to this. Language : SOme uses of f*** and s**t ect. SOme played for laughs but sometimes overdone. Drugs: Cher smokes and does drugs in this movie but eventually give them up. I love this movie and they have a great cast. It is just very sad. One very good scene in where Cher goes up to the map and starps putting push pins in it. I don't want to give that scene away! Find out yourself.

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ON: Content is 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