Our Song
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Our Song is the honest, insightful, and positive coming-of-age story of three high school girls. While almost all of the characters are African-American, Latino, or of mixed race, their stories and feelings are typical of kids of all ethnicities. The film considers boy-girl relationships, pregnancy, abortion, and birth control, as well as the broader issues of family, self-respect, and growing up. Underage teens at a party consume marijuana and alcohol, but there is no resulting drunkenness or negative behavior shown. Swearing is frequent: "f--k," "s--t," "ass." It's a thought-provoking film, without much plotting, focused more on character than event.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
OUR SONG unfolds over one summer in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Lanisha (Kerry Washington, in her first film role), Maria (Melissa Martinez), and Joycelyn (Anne Simpson) are great friends and hard-working members of the Jackie Robinson Steppers Marching Band (an actual band). Finding out that their high school is being shut down because of asbestos contamination is the first of several events that shake up the trio's fragile world. Over the course of those short months the girls must contend with a friend's suicide, a pregnancy, exacting parental expectations, and an unwelcome change to their friendship's status quo. Each one deals uniquely with the challenges that come her way, relying upon parents, friends and, most significantly, each other to resolve the issues and to make the hard transitions that are so much a part of every teen's life.
Is It Any Good?
Director-writer Jim McKay has succeeded in creating a sensitive, moving, documentary-like portrait of three unforgettable teens and, to a lesser extent, their families. There's a natural feel to every scene, to every performance, and to every line of dialogue. The three leads are first-time young actresses who seem real -- Kerry Washington is particularly affecting -- acting out stories with problems that are real.
McKay uses lots of close-ups and he lets his scenes play out fully in order to bring the audience deep into the lives of his characters. No easy answers in Our Song. No quick resolutions. Instead of a busy plot, McKay is more interested in knowing how his young people feel, think, and react as they struggle to make sense of growing up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the story's structure and substance. Would you say that the movie resolved or had clear endings for each of the three leading characters? How do you feel about movies that leave some questions unanswered? Try to imagine what would happen to Lanisha, Maria, and Joycelyn over the next years.
What techniques are used to make the characters of Lanisha, Maria, and Joycelyn seem real? Does the language seem true-to-life? Do the problems the girls faced feel authentic?
Think about the families. What did they have in common? How were they different? Did getting to know their parents give you insight into how each of the girls would deal with their problems?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 25, 2001
- On DVD or streaming: January 14, 2003
- Cast: Anna Simpson, Kerry Washington, Melissa Martinez
- Director: Jim McKay
- Studio: C-Hundred Film Corp
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship, High School
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language and some drug use
- Last updated: March 3, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Breakfast Club
Classic '80s teen movie has mature themes, profanity.
-
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Book-based drama for mature teens tackles tough subjects.
-
The Heart of the Game
Excellent high school sports documentary.
-
American Teen
Riveting documentary is bound to get kids talking.
For kids who love teen stories
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate