Common Sense Media Review
Heartfelt divorce movie has language, outdated gender roles.
Parents Need to Know
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Mrs. Doubtfire
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 47 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film delivers a heartwarming and humorous take on divorce with strong performances, particularly by Robin Williams, it contains a significant amount of inappropriate language and thematic content that may not be suitable for younger viewers. Many recommend it for older children, suggesting that families should be mindful of the movie's mature themes, including divorce and child custody, which can provoke difficult conversations for younger audiences.
- humor
- mature themes
- language issues
- family friendly
- emotional depth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 137 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a hilarious and heartwarming portrayal of a father's love and efforts to stay close to his children during a difficult divorce. While appreciated for its humor and emotional depth, reviewers caution about its mature content, specifically excessive swearing and some adult themes, suggesting it is best for older children and families who can discuss these issues.
- emotional depth
- family themes
- excessive swearing
- best for older kids
- hilarious portrayal
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MRS. DOUBTFIRE, loving but eccentric dad Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is devastated when his wife, Miranda (Sally Field), files for a divorce and gets custody of the kids. Regular visits with his three children aren't enough, so when he hears that Miranda is looking for a nanny/housekeeper, he gets his make-up artist brother, Frank (Harvey Fierstein), and Frank's husband, Jack (Scott Capurro), to transform him into a matronly old woman. Posing as the veddy proper Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire, Daniel gets the position and quickly wins over the kids. But his double-life ruse gets complicated when Miranda starts dating the dashing, debonair Stu (Pierce Brosnan).
Is It Any Good?
This is one of those great movies that uses the hilarious Williams to his fullest. In Mrs. Doubtfire, director Chris Columbus has Williams clowning around, talking a mile a minute, dropping pop culture references, and doing vocal impersonations that might have little to do with the story but that lighten what would otherwise be too painful and poignant for some kids.
What raises Mrs. Doubtfire above other movies about separation is the care it takes in dealing with real human problems. Though it provides a basis for a comedy, the issue of divorce and custody is treated seriously. Irresponsible Daniel grows from the experience of looking at the world from a woman's point of view—a core theme that endures, even if the execution feels dated in its approach.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impact of divorce in families. Do you think Mrs. Doubtfire deals with the topic realistically?
Why is Daniel seen as too irresponsible to have custody? Do your kids think that's fair? What about the working mom: Does the fact that she works full time and makes more money than Daniel make her a "better" parent?
How do the characters in Mrs. Doubtfire demonstrate self-control and gratitude? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 27, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : August 27, 2000
- Cast : Pierce Brosnan , Robin Williams , Sally Field
- Director : Chris Columbus
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Gratitude , Self-control
- Run time : 125 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexual references
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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