Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Graphic portrayal of dictatorship's abuses is unforgettable.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Missing
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Charles Horman is an idealistic young American writer living in a South American country with his wife Beth (Sissy Spacek). When a right-wing dictatorship takes over the country, thousands are arrested and taken prisoner, among them Charles. Charles's father Ed (Jack Lemmon) is a conservative businessman who, after receiving no cooperation from his senator and the State Department in America, flies to Chile to track down his son. What he discovers are terrible human rights abuses and his own growing disillusionment with a government and country he had always strongly believed in, as it becomes more and more clear that the American government -- in the name of "national interests" -- is complicit in supporting the dictatorship responsible for kidnapping his son.
Is It Any Good?
This indelible film is equal parts murder mystery and study of American involvement in the installation of a right-wing dictatorship in Chile in 1973. Through Ed's point-of-view (brought to life by the great Jack Lemmon), we learn the truth behind the lies of politicians speaking of championing "freedom" and "democracy" abroad. Ed's bureaucratic nightmare becomes our bureaucratic nightmare -- Kafkaesque in its absurdity -- and the film personalizes the politics of the situation by making this the story of a father trying to find his missing son.
Ed's disillusionment with his government becomes our disillusionment, as Ed learns that the interests of multi-national corporations trump freedom and liberty. While perhaps some might find this to be a bit too heavy-handed or preachy, research into American Cold War involvement in Chile in the early 1970s will show that this film stays true to actual events. While films rooted in distrust of government often feel cynical as a matter of course, the difference in Missing is that the film is rooted in a deeper idealism -- be it Charles's belief in economic justice, or Ed's unstoppable search for the truth.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in this film. What is the purpose of the violence portrayed? How does it underscore the message of the film?
Ed goes through profound changes over the course of the movie. How is his character presented early in the film, and what actions cause him to evolve?
What is film's role in politics? Can filmmakers use art for positive change? What about negative change? Or should film be purely for entertainment?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 27, 1982
- On DVD or streaming : October 21, 2008
- Cast : Jack Lemmon , Melanie Mayron , Sissy Spacek
- Director : Costa-Gavras
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Criterion Collection
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Run time : 122 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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