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One True Thing (R, 1998)

common sense media says

Sad drama probably won't appeal to teens.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that brief profanity earns this film an R rating, and there are intense and disturbing scenes concerning Kate's illness and euthanasia. The movie probably will not have much appeal for teens, who are seldom ready to consider their parents as fully human, but those who want to see it may come away with a better appreciation for the complexity of relationships and the diversity of accomplishments.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Intense and disturbing scenes concerning Kate's illness and euthanasia.
Sex: Mild.
Language: Language earned this an R rating.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Social drinking
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on One True Thing

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about this movie's messages about the complexity of relationships and the diversity of accomplishments.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Based on Anna Quindlen's novel, ONE TRUE THING is the story of a young writer who learns the value of her mother when she goes to care for her during her treatment for cancer. New York magazine writer Ellen (Renee Zellweger) has always rejected her mother's (Meryl Streep) homey values to follow the career of her father (William Hurt), a distinguished literary critic, professor, and author. As Ellen cares for her mother, she finds that her father is less than she thought, and her mother is more. In understanding and accepting her parents as fully human, Ellen begins to be more fully human herself. She gains an appreciation for her mother's strength. The community and domestic projects Ellen had seen as unimportant busywork she learns to see as an essential source of sustenance.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Streep shines as Ellen's mother, Kate, not afraid to show us the irritating side of Kate's sunny personality and the impatience she reveals as she acknowledges that she has to insist on her opportunity to talk about what is important to her before it is too late. Hurt plays Ellen's father, George. He show us that his hypocrisy comes from weakness, insecurity, and fear, in a way harder for Ellen to take than if it had been based only on selfishness.

One True Thing probably won't have much appeal for teens, who are seldom ready to consider their parents as fully human, but those who want to see it may come away with a better appreciation for the complexity of relationships and the diversity of accomplishments.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Carl Franklin
Cast: Meryl Streep, Renee Zellweger, William Hurt
Genre: Drama
Run time: 127 minutes
Theatrical release: September 18, 1998
DVD release: March 16, 1999
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines