 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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My Fair Lady
- Review Date: July 24, 2005
- G
- Genre: Musical
- 1964
Common Sense Media says
Witty, stylish musical classic will entertain all ages.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic musical is entertaining for all ages, though it may be too long (almost three hours) for the youngest kids. It's a biting satire that treats both the most egotistical snob and the "lowliest" street person with gentle humor and respect. It’s also a romantic story without even a kiss. There are no villains; there’s no violence (a few references to beating a woman for misbehaving are intended to be humorous). With the exception of one “ass” and a couple of “damns,” there’s no iffy language, either. A few scenes depict moderate drinking on social occasions, there’s one shot of a tipsy bridegroom on the way to his wedding, and one main character smokes a cigar.
What's the story?
Audrey Hepburn stars as Eliza Doolittle in director George Cukor's adaptation of the Broadway musical based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion. In 1912 London, cockney street peddler Eliza is handpicked by linguistics professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) on a bet that he can reshape her into an aristocrat. Higgins has his work cut out for him -- Eliza turns out to be quite the spitfire. As he struggles to teach her how to speak, walk, and behave like a proper lady, his friend Colonel Pickering (Wilfrid Hyde-White) sits back and enjoys the wild ride. Eliza's ultimate transformation is spectacular, and even Higgins is surprised by how she handles herself at upper-crust gatherings. He's also surprised at how he himself is transformed when it comes to his feelings for his fetching protege. With music and lyrics by Lerner and Loewe, MY FAIR LADY is truly a classic.
Is it any good?
With witty songwriting, comical and charismatic performances by the two leads, and lush costumes and sets, My Fair Lady still engages decades after its initial release. Hepburn's unique comic flair is especially effective in the race scene at Ascot.
The film delights viewers of all ages, although some might grow weary of a few songs that stay a verse or two past their welcome. The DVD special features offer an insight into how this classic might have been even better: Compare the versions of "Show Me" and "Loverly" originally sung by Hepburn with the final film's dubbing of Marni Nixon's impersonal soprano. You'll rue the studio's decision not to leave Hepburn's sweeter, more urchinesque voice on these tracks.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the idea of social class. How have things changed since the time in which this movie was set?
How does the movie portray drinking? Are viewers supposed to get a specific take-away from that?
How do you think Eliza feels about Professor Higgins in the end?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 9 years old
March 20, 2010
AGE
A pretty good movie but they use dam about 15 times
and god about 5 but a good movie!!!!!
What other families should know:
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Teen, 16 years old
June 14, 2009
AGE
Great Quality Film
There is quite a bit of language in this movie. Personally it doesn't bother me because it is the typical British language. Oh and there is a comment about Eliza going to live with Prof. Higgins and not wanting "any clothes". Eliza's father sings a song about finally having to marry Eliza's mother. Nothing is explicit, but for younger children it might want to be previewed before you allow them to watch it.
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Teen, 14 years old
July 4, 2009
AGE
my fourth favorite musical!
fourth isn't bad. I remember seeing this long ago, then i was in it in our school play (i was maid number 1!). I love the quaintness of "My Fair Lady", so long as you dont look at it in a sexual way.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
A Classic Story for an Older Audience
Upon watching this movie for the first time, I was struck by the excellent performances by actors Hepburn and Harrison. The story of Eliza's transformation was both charming and entertaining. However, I was shocked that the MPAA rating of "G" has not been altered since its re-rating in 1970. The movie, which contains plenty of mild language, including multiple uses of D--- and one use of A-- (in reference to a horse's behind) would be more appropriately rated PG today, I believe. It's still a wonderful movie, just be aware of the language.
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Parent of 4, 6, and 8 year old
November 11, 2011
AGE
Very, very disappointing.
The description of this movie isn't entirely accurate. There certainly is a villain; it's just ironic that he's supposed to be the hero. Henry Higgins is an absolutely despicable human being, with virtually no redeeming qualities. Certainly he helps Eliza, in a very limited way, but he does it with no altruism or generosity whatsoever. And the idea that he "learns a lot about women, as well as about superficial appearance versus inner beauty" is entirely false. He seems to have no arc at all, and as far as I can tell he doesn't learn much of anything for the course of the film. Neither, unfortunately, does Eliza. Audrey Hepburn is wonderful, but that character is one I wish my daughters had not had to witness. While she is feisty at times, in reality she seems to have no self-esteem at all. SPOILER: Her return to Higgins at the end of the film is one of the most tragic endings I've ever seen.
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Adult
October 21, 2010
AGE
Awesome to view in sessions
For grownups, this movie probably won't be too long. But for younger kids, maybe break it up into a couple/three watchings.
I love just almost everything about it... a couple trouble spots for me but for an older movie, it is among the best, in my opinion. I expressed my opinion further on the subject here : ponderings of all things.blogspot*
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Teen, 14 years old
April 24, 2010
AGE
NOT COOL!
This beat "Mary Poppins" for Best Picture? Ridiculous. This movie had some fairly catchy songs, but the dialogue is laughable and was an hour WAY TOO long. I don't recommend it, though it was better than "An American in Paris."
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Teen, 15 years old
December 26, 2008
AGE
Couldn't be carried off well
If you want a good Hepburn musical, see Funny Face.
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Teen, 13 years old
April 9, 2009
AGE
Fun musical
Very fun.
Just a couple language problems. They are in England. D-- and A-s
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| Topics: | friendship, misfits and underdogs, music and sing-along |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | George Cukor |
| Cast: | Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Wilfrid Hyde-White |
| Genre: | Musical |
| Run time: | 172 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 25, 1964 |
| DVD release date: | October 6, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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