The Namesake (PG-13, 2007)
common sense media says
Fabulous immigrant-family saga to see with teens.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this mature drama about two generations of a Bengali family living in New York is a great movie to watch with your teens. Like most immigrant narratives, the story includes deaths, births, marriages, break-ups, and other important milestones that mark a family's history. A son's disinterest in his Indian culture -- and his unusual name, Gogol -- is the central theme of the film. Like most immigrant children, he and his sister sometimes ridicule and resent their parents' traditions. The mature subject matter includes arranged marriage, adultery, discrimination, cultural differences, parental deaths, and -- most important -- self-identity. A brief scene shows the victims of a train crash, and there are a few passionate love scenes.
Positive role models:
One episode of discrimination angers Gogol, but his father reminds him
to look past the incident. Indian parents praise the United States for
providing better opportunities for their children.
to look past the incident. Indian parents praise the United States for
providing better opportunities for their children.
Violence:
It's not "violence" per se, but a scene depicting the aftermath of a deadly train accident includes bloody dead bodies. A character shrieks in grief on two separate occasions.
Sex:
Partial nudity -- Gogol and his girlfriend undress in front of each other (his bare chest and her entire backside are visible). In another love scene, Gogol and his girlfriend fool around and are shown in bed, but there's no nudity. Gogol and his wife, both robed, dance Bollywood-style and then tumble onto their bed. Ashoke and Ashima make love semi-clothed. A character discusses her many lovers.
Language:
"S--t," "ass," etc.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Gogol smokes a joint at his high-school graduation and drinks socially on several occasions. A few characters smoke cigarettes.
More on The Namesake
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Philly30
adult
adult
Amazing Beautiful Movie
The movie was just amazing. Beautifully filmed. Great acting. Your whole family will love it.
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