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The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

(2005, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Laura Dern, Woody Harrelson, Julianne Moore)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Charming but a bit disturbing; ok for teens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Dad is a terrible model, depressed and abusive; mom is a "saint," kids are confused.
  • Violence:

    Mom is injured during a fall in the home (alarming her kids); dad becomes violent against furniture when drunk.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Some cursing, out of frustration and anger (including the f-word).
  • Consumerism:

    All about advertising: brands named include: Dial, Beechnut gum, Frigidaire, Parkay, Ritz crackers, Samonsite, Black Label beer, Dr. Pepper.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Dad is an unhappy, belligerent alcoholic.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

Parents need to know that this movie includes several tense family scenes, specifically when the father is inebriated and the mother must smooth over his anger and ugliness in front of their children. At one point, furious that a son has had a car accident, the father starts hitting and chasing him through the house; and in an especially disturbing scene, following a brief struggle, the mother falls on glass milk bottles she's carrying, spilling milk and her blood (from the broken glass) all over the floor, as children look on and cry. The kids reveal their own fears and resentment, fretting that Mom will leave even for a day, and once singing a version of "Row your boat" where they imagine throwing Dad overboard "just to hear him scream."

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Evelyn and Kelly's relationship, as she repeatedly takes care of him. Why would this couple stay together when it's clear they and their children are miserable? Would things be different if this movie was set in the present? Why or why not?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A great movie for more mature teenagers.

    I have contradicting opinions, in regards to recommending this movie. For more mature teens, I think it is a great movie, that will make you think. It shows just what exactly many "50's housewives" often had to deal with. Dead beat husbands who abuse them. I wouldnt recommend it to any kids under 13 unless they are mature for their age. Over all, I was very glad that I saw it. An absolute wonderful movie.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 4.0

    What a well done movie!

    I watched this based on a friend's recommendation. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The cast plays their parts VERY WELL! I couldn't decide if I wanted to hate or pity the Dad. I watched this with my preteen, and teenager. I would definitely not recommend this to the under 12 set. There are some very disturbing images, and some pretty hard scenes to deal with. And if you have a sensitive, older kid, you might want to pass this by as well. Both of my kids really liked it, and we watched it 2x in one afternoon! I hope you enjoy it too.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 3.0

    Teens

    its great for teen.

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