Milk (R, 2008)

common sense media says

Memorable, mature biopic brings a movement to life.


parents & educators say
  • 55% say sexual content is an issue
  • 36% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this intense, stirring drama examines the life of Harvey Milk, a civil- and gay-rights advocate who was assassinated in 1978. It explores prejudice against homosexuals and traces the beginnings of the gay rights movement. The film offers an unflinching look at homophobia during that era. Expect strong language (including "f--k" and "s--t"), sexual situations, partial nudity, political manipulation, suicide, and murder. Some material may be too challenging for younger teens, but older teens and adults will find it a thought-provoking piece of history.

Positive messages: Milk discovers a sense of purpose when he moves to San Francisco with and becomes an equal-rights advocate. His story gives hope to countless gay men, many of whom are afraid to come out. Milk and his longtime boyfriend appear to have a nurturing, supportive relationship, but when they break up, Milk finds himself embroiled in a highly dysfunctional relationship, which unfortunately ends in suicide. Later, Milk himself is assassinated by a fellow politician. Political intrigue and betrayals are revealed; the assassination plays out in excruciating detail onscreen.
Violence: A man shoots two others, point blank. Another man is beat up in a hate crime. Black-and-white archival footage shows homosexuals being harassed by cops. Also, a man Milk is involved with hangs himself; the scene in which his body is discovered is upsetting and somewhat gruesome.
Sex: Hook ups between men. Lots of ogling and a fair number of conversations filled with sexual innuendo (including discussion of what one person would "do" to another). Naked photos; a man walks around in his briefs. Men kiss and grope each other.
Language: Fairly explicit, including "c--ksucking," "dick," "s--t," "f--k," "prick," and more. A derogatory epithet that starts with "f" is also hurled a few times.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Social drinking, some to the point of inebriation. Some characters are shown rolling marijuana.

More on Milk

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what Harvey Milk stood for -- pro and con. What do your kids think about the gay rights movement, and how do they think things have changed -- if at all -- since 1978? Does the movie have a point of view on Milk's role in history? Do your kids think it's accurate? Why? Another good discussion can be had about the art of the film itself and how the filmmakers used archival footage in the movie. Does that affect the authenticity of what people are seeing?

What's the story?

What's the story?
On the eve of his 40th birthday, closeted New Yorker Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) meets the love of his life, Scott Smith (James Franco), and decides it's time to find a "new scene." He heads to San Francisco, where he and Smith open a camera shop in the Castro. There, determined to enjoy a life where he and others are free to live and love, Milk discovers his true calling as an advocate for equal rights and, eventually, a leader of the gay-rights movement. But after he finally succeeds in becoming the first openly gay man to be elected to public office by winning a seat on the city's Board of Supervisors in 1977, Milk meets Dan White (Josh Brolin). A conservative politician also serving on the board, White grows increasingly frustrated by his own inability to navigate politics' rough waters -- Milk's strong suit -- until, one fateful day in 1978, he unleashes his rage on Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

"Message" films often fail to distinguish themselves cinematically because they're so focused on hitting their talking points. MILK isn't that kind of message movie. Although it wears its politics on its sleeve, it does so with finely tuned storytelling and brilliant pacing that propels the action forward without sacrificing character development. Penn delivers an Oscar-worthy perofrmance as Milk, a San Francisco icon who's presented with all the complexities of an everyman -- a charismatic, courageous everyman -- who finds his way to greatness. Happily, the supporting cast -- particularly Franco, Brolin, and Emile Hirsch as Milk's friend/fellow activist Cleve Jones -- are also up to snuff. (That said, though it's true Milk traveled in large social circles, his entourage could have been trimmed for the film so it wouldn't feel quite so crowded.)

Director Gus Van Sant, who unleashes a singular vision here, throws archival footage into the mix, giving it heft -- not that Milk really needed any more of it. The film is infused with a palpable sense of purpose. Soulful, enlightening, politically relevant, and thoroughly affecting, Milk will leave audiences breathless.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Focus Features
Director: Gus Van Sant
Cast: Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Sean Penn
Genre: Drama
Run time: 128 minutes
Theatrical release: November 26, 2008
DVD release: March 10, 2009
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language, some sexual content and brief violence
Watch our review

This review was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo
 
 

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What parents & educators say

14
Based on 11 parent & educator reviews:
  • 55% say sexual content is an issue
  • 36% say language is an issue
  • 36% say there are positive messages
  • 36% say violence is an issue
  • 27% say there are positive role models

Most useful reviews by all members

MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old
 
This movie is so good. It really makes you think, and has a really good message. I recommend it.

movietramp
teen, 17 years old
 
A Must See
One of the best movies out there. Sean Penn's performance was amazing and he most certainly earned that Oscar. All the actors were fantastic. I loved James Franco's performance and character, Scotty, and I also loved Emile Hirsch's acting and character Cleve Jones. Great movie. Very inspiring and moving.

B12
parent of 11 year old
 
It was a great movie and overall I am glad my son watched it for several useful lessons but he found the sexual content disturbing

halfpinthipster
teen, 17 years old
 
A great movie for anyone with a conscience
A brilliant and beautiful movie. The language is R-level, but teenagers say this stuff anyway, they can handle it. No use pretending. The sexual content and violence are nothing you wouldn't see in a PG-13 film, honestly. As for the message -- it's a movie about human rights and the right to love. It's a very good movie if you want to instill moral values in your kids.

lecritic
teen, 16 years old
 
Best Movie of 08
Every single person who voted for prop 8 should be forced to see this. The acting was beautiful and there was not too much in the way of inappropriate things. It was a great movie.

Yeah.
teen, 14 years old
 
Check out my page for other great recommendations.
I'm not here to give a review because if it shows up on my page its a 5 star movie and so therefore you know what i think about it.

Mr581
teen, 18 years old
 
on 10+
love this

Réau10
adult
 
The last scene of the movie was so sad. A man shoots Harvey with a gun and he dies.

 
Explicit sexual content
Explicit sexual content (whether hetro or homosexual) is never acceptable.

gabbywabby212
teen, 15 years old
 
amazing! but for older kids only!
IT WAS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!JUST AMAZING!!!!!!! YOU HAVE TO SEE IT!!!!!!!!JUST TERRIFIC!!!!!! but you have to be atleast 12 or older to see it though.

who3697cares
teen, 18 years old
 
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
Nothing more than a showcase for Sean Penn's star power.

SLUMDOG
teen, 14 years old
 
best actor guranteed
sean penn is the best actor hands down compared to richard jenkins brad pitt frank langella and micky rourke. he is the best the movie is second only to slumdog millionaire josh brolin does not deserve an oscar nomination. the film does it is well directed breilliantly acted and is splended the film is about harvy milk who was asasinated by dan white played by josh brolin. the film cronicles his life from 40 to his death the film is inspirational and better than button and frost nixxon. i saw this film in january while it was still in theaters and bought it today i love milk i can't stop saying it . go rent this movie you will love this materpiece biopic

skating132
teen, 16 years old
 
Very good message. Never give up. But there are a couple of scenes that i think are innopropriate for 12 and under kids

 
I Cried and Cried and Cried Some More----Amazing Movie
Sean Penn and the entire cast were amazing. Well done--balanced movie. Very educational---some curses and two backside shots and of course two (not bloody) shootings. Makes one really think about discrimination and how some things haven't changed. I cried during the movie and after. I would say for a mature 13 year old to 15+ for an audience.

eastside01
teen, 17 years old
 
Milk is a memorable biopic from Sean Penn.
Milk gave Sean Penn his second oscar and it was well deserved as he played Gay rights activist Harvey Milk. the movie is a stirring account of how he tried to give homosexuals freedom until he was brought to his death by Dan White.

June50
adult
 
Good movie with hopeful message
Very good film. The message of the movie was positive and hopeful, the script was good and Sean Penn and the supporting actors were great. Although not really explicit some of the sexual content is not suitable for children.There is strong language and an intense violent scene near the end of the movie. I recommend this movie for people 14 and above.

BlueSpiderberry
teen, 18 years old
 
Important movie for anyone 15 or over to see
A wonderful and powerful movie about a little known chapter in american history. a couple of sexual scenes (between guys) but know big deal for anybody 15 or over, in my opinion. Also a breif but upsetting shooting scene at the end which is very sudden and shocking. But a great movie and an important one to see for anybody who's old enough.

Moviefreak124
teen, 16 years old
 
Great moral story for tweens and teens
This would be good for all 12+ people with all the hatred now of day.

 
Great, moving film

Steffauri516
parent of 1 and 8 year old
 
Moving and educational movie~
I greatly enjoyed this film; I was raised in a very open family around lots of different people, and both of my parents agreed that it is never too early to expose children to various lifestyles and the need to accept others. However, my kids are too young for this movie, there is no graphic sex, but there are hints (and if you are against homosexuality you won't like this film) there is some violence, and there is a scene where a man's dead body is shown after he commits suicide. There are tons of good values in this movie: the acceptance of those who are different, perserverance and beating the odds, and fighting for what you believe in. A very eye-opening and moving film, but iffy for young kids who may not understand homosexuality or the goals of this film; rated on for kids 13 and older.

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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