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Rachel Getting Married
- Review Date: September 30, 2008
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Intense, insightful family drama celebrates love.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this intense family drama addresses certain subjects -- drug addiction, death, family dysfunction -- that may be overwhelming for younger teens who are drawn to it by Anne Hathaway's star power. But they're dealt with so sensitively and compassionately that older teens may find the film quite impactful. Expect plenty of swearing and social drinking (as well as discussions about alcoholism and drug use). Characters also explore dark emotional terrain, and adult family members are hurtful -- verbally and physically -- to each other.
What's the story?
As the title proclaims, Rachel (Rosemarie DeWitt) is getting married. In the works is a joyful, multicultural wedding -- she's a WASP, her fiance is African American, the theme is Indian -- that promises to embrace everyone into the fold, even Rachel's wayward sister, Kym (Anne Hathaway). On furlough from yet another stint in rehab, Kym's determined to keep it together. But it's not easy, especially when you're confronted by a well-meaning father (Bill Irwin) who hovers and shields the enormous pain he obviously feels, a distant mother (Debra Winger) who's determined to move on even if it means leaving you behind, and a sister who can't quite mask her rage even on the happiest of days. And then there's the past: The consequences of a family tragedy that happened while Kym was high are still omnipresent.
Is it any good?
RACHEL GETTING MARRIED is stunningly moving, though there will be viewers who will be frustrated by its pace. It takes its time to blossom, dwelling on moments that many other, lesser films would have skipped (the dishwasher contest, the musical interludes). But in making that artistic decision, director Jonathan Demme manages to get us so invested in his characters that it feels like whatever's happening onscreen is happening to us, and we're unquestionably moved. Long after the credits roll, we'll still be thinking about it.
Kudos belongs to so many: To Hathaway, for reminding us once more -- after Brokeback Mountain -- of her deep well of talent (her big eyes and nearly too-gaunt face serve her well in such a haunting -- and haunted -- role). To the rest of the ensemble for turning in such fine-tuned performances, neither overplaying nor underacting. To the masterful Demme, who allowed the script to breathe. And to screenwriter Jenny Lumet (daughter of acclaimed director Sidney Lumet). One of the things that makes a screenwriter great is the ability to tell the truth, which Lumet does beautifully. If only every wedding ceremony was as unorthodox, as stirring as this one.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's messages. What does it say about the power of forgiveness, especially of forgiving yourself? How is the movie similar to, and different from, others that deal with addiction? Is it a realistic portrayal? Does that make it easier or harder to watch? Are there typical clichés and pitfalls that this movie manages to avoid? Which ones, and how? Families can also discuss why Kym acts the way she does when she comes home. Why does she seem so uncomfortable? How does her family react to her? Why?
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AGE
This was a tough, tough movie to watch--not so much because of the drug and alcohol abuse by Anne Hathaway's character, but because of what we learn about the root cause of her fragility. Taking place against the backdrop of her sister's wedding, we see Hathaway and her entire nuclear family struggling to keep it together as deep-seated wounds are re-opened. Despite many compelling moments from a film-making perspective, landmine topics like blame, guilt, and loss inform my 16+ rating.
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AGE
Great movie, but definitely only for older teens
Anne Hathaway does an incredible job in this movie. While the overall message of forgiveness and love is beautifully portrayed by this movie, it is quite a sad story that plays out. This is a family still struggling with a tragedy that is unfathomable.
My 16 year old daughter liked the movie, but she is definitely into movies like this, that are thought-provoking. I'm glad, tho, that my 13 year old daughter didn't see it. She would have found it too dark and disturbing.
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AGE
Very insightful and great movie! :)
I loved this movie! It's all about forgivness. Not only is it about forgiving other people, but it's about being able to forgive yourself and turning to God for strength. Wonderful! Some F-words. Mature teens and adults only!
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Amazing Movie For Older Teens
This was a truly moving and amazing movie. It dealt with some really heavy issues and I found it to be amazingly thought provoking. It was well written with few flaws and was surprisingly enjoyable.
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AGE
Who cares that Rachel is getting married.
Rachel getting married is Jonathan Demme's weak attempt to make a wedding memorable. The 1st problem is that there are way to many cliches and at the end everyone is supposed to be fine after "tragic" stuff. The 2nd flaw is probably the biggest is that when you get to the house you want to immediately leave after the first hour or so. The only thing that makes this good even a little is Anne Hathaway's daring turn as the disturbed sister but not even she can save this movie.
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AGE
Ugh - overly pretentious saga...save yourself!
Overly pretentious movie that leaves you little sympathy for the lead character. If you enjoy a whiney, self absorbed on-again off-again drug addict, then this is your cup of tea. Craving total attention she tries to ruin sisters wedding, crashes father's car and demands to be treated like an adult.
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| Studio: | Sony Pictures Classics |
| Director: | Jonathan Demme |
| Cast: | Anne Hathaway, Bill Irwin, Rosemarie DeWitt |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 111 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 1, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | March 10, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | language and brief sexuality. |
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