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Miss Potter (PG, 2006)

common sense media says

More about social pressure than Peter Rabbit.

parents & educators say
See all 9 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, while this film focuses on Peter Rabbit author Beatrix Potter's career and classic children's books, it's really aimed more at adults than kids (and the younger set will probably prefer the books). It deals with some mature themes, including the death of a loved one and disagreements between an adult child and her parents. Beatrix's mother repeatedly denigrates her desire to paint and tell stories; although her father is more encouraging, parents and child also disagree over Beatrix's choice for a husband. When a protagonist dies suddenly (off screen, from an illness), survivors show grief. Some characters drink socially, and one drinks to the point of passing out (this is treated as comedy).

Positive messages: Characters are utterly well behaved, though Beatrix does resist her parents' desire that she marry within her class when she falls in love with Norman.
Violence: Grief is expressed when a central character dies unexpectedly (the death occurs off screen).
Sex: Discussion of proper behavior for an unmarried woman; some embarrassed dancing and gentle kissing between the central couple.
Language: Very mild: A background character refers to a "rich bastard," and another declares her own ideas about the joys of single womanhood to be "hogwash."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Social drinking; one character passes out from drunkenness (this is treated as comedy and subversion of a mother's will).
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the conflict Beatrix feels between the expectations others have for her (to be a proper wife to a man of her class) and her own ambitions (writing and illustrating books). How is her dilemma shown in the movie? How do her parents respond differently to her decisions? How does her romance with Norman help "smooth over" the potential abrasiveness of her career ambitions? What effect (if any) do modern opinions about feminism and achievement have on the way the story is told?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Set in the early 1900s, MISS POTTER offers a fictionalized life of famous Peter Rabbit creator Beatrix Potter as she pursues a career as a children's book author and illustrator. Beatrix's whimsical ducks in bonnets and bunnies in brass buttons (which appear as animations) represent her feelings -- most often mild defiance or frustration at her parents' hopes that she'll marry a man within their class. Eager to publish a storybook with gentle watercolor illustrations, Beatrix (Renée Zellweger) meets with publishers and is assigned to earnest underling Norman (Ewan McGregor). The two go on to create a series of books. Beatrix also befriends Norman's sister Amelia (Emily Watson). But while she enjoys her new relationships, she must contend with social expectations, as embodied by her generous, mustachioed father, Rupert (Bill Paterson), who tends to give in to the wishes of her sterner mother, Helen (Barbara Flynn).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Pleasant and unadventurous, Miss Potter makes it clear that Beatrix became a conservationist in her later years, using her earnings to purchase land and preserve wildlife habitats, yet the film tends to stifle its heroine's energy rather than explore it. In part, this effect is a function of Zellweger's chirpy performance, but it's also a matter of plot: Despite her seeming independence, Beatrix is shaped by supporting characters, from her oppressive mother to the kind solicitor (Lloyd Owen) who helps her recover from tragedy. You keep waiting for her to break out, to match the giddy passion shown by Amelia, but she doesn't.

McGregor's energetic delivery of dialogue is delightful. Miss Potter suggests that Norman is a good match for Beatrix, and their very proper flirtations are quite charming, as is Beatrix's enthusiastic intimacy with Amelia

Movie themes & details

Themes
history
Movie Details
Studio: MGM/UA
Director: Chris Noonan
Cast: Emily Watson, Ewan McGregor, Renee Zellweger
Genre: Drama
Run time: 92 minutes
Theatrical release: December 29, 2006
DVD release: June 19, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: brief mild language.
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This review was written by Cynthia Fuchs
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

inspiration-bg
adult
 
A Sweet Film
This is just a sweet little film, nothing overly dramatic or mellow. It was a nice change from the usual Hollywood film, I enjoyed the film, it is definitely worth check out when it is released. I don't see anything in this film that would be considered inappropriate for children.
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (6)
Teacupmama
parent of 14 year old
10
 
Great gentle period movie
A delightful clean sweet movie Nice story my daughter and I enjoyed watching together 2xs
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emoqueen17
adult
 
i loved it and so did my kids
my kids and i loved it and we've read it everynite since we've gotton it
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atleast
adult
 
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caroh
adult
 
a beautiful film for all ages - especially young girls
Gorgeous scenery, a gentle, sweet, sincere love story, and an unconventional, inspirational heroine make this film one of the best I've seen in some time. My 12 year-old daughter loved it, and I loved watching it with her. Beatrix loves and respects her parents, who are portrayed as kind and caring, just too bound by the rules of their society to appreciate or encourage their daughter's independant, artistic spirit. But Beatrix must create and follows her art; and then, her heart. She is true to herself and builds a life outside the confines of the rigid world into which she was born. She is richly rewarded and achieves personal fulfillment. She even finds love (on her own terms!) and continues to give to the world long after her death. What a story! Beautifully told - we highly recommend!
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Alishasafekids
adult
 
not ok
hello i qwould suggest nyou don't like younger children / children at all that is watch miss potter i think our chidlren shouldn't be watchign this stupid boigraphic movie
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tommysportsgirl
adult
 
totally clean
There is nothing wrong with this movie at ALL. It's totally clean and innocent, and has a great soundtrack to boot. Little kids will be bored, but adults (especially those who like romantic movies, will love it.
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summersunshine_418
adult
 
Very sweet movie!
This wasn't a terribly entertaining movie, but I liked it because it brings a sense of reality. Although kids may see it as boring, it does have some good messages.
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numberdomino
teen, 18 years old
 
Miss Potter Is Our King
Great movie for kids and adults. My mom took me and we both loved it and if you think it,s boring just look at Ewan McGregor or Renne Zellweger to pass the time but i donb,t think it will come to this.
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