 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
One True Thing
- Review Date: May 7, 2003
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 1998
Common Sense Media says
Sad drama probably won't appeal to teens.
Parents say
Kids say
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about this movie's messages about the complexity of relationships and the diversity of accomplishments.
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| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Carl Franklin |
| Cast: | Meryl Streep, Renee Zellweger, William Hurt |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 127 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 18, 1998 |
| DVD release date: | March 16, 1999 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | language |
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