Rain Man
- Review Date: July 26, 2005
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 1988
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Common Sense Media says
Story about autistic savant isn't for kids.
 | 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. |
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie contains some strong language and a few intense scenes in which Raymond, an autistic character, becomes distressed. There's a scene where sex is insinuated (moaning and movement under the sheets) and a brief glimpse of a breast. Prostitution is alluded to. This movie deals with mental health issues, though it requires little understanding of these issues on the part of the young viewer; characters possess the same ignorance and biases a child is likely to have.
What's the story?
When yuppie misanthrope Charlie Babbit's father dies, he leaves most of his fortune to his autistic, institutionalized son Raymond, the brother Charlie never knew he had. Charlie (Tom Cruise) kidnaps Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) from a mental institution, and they travel across the country in search of a new home and a new intimacy. Exquisitely photographed by John Seale, the first half of the film is an austere road movie, with the American West as a backdrop and Cruise and Hoffman playing off one another like old pros. Things become more complex when Charlie realizes that long-forgotten events from his childhood are locked inside Raymond's photographic memory.
Is it any good?
RAIN MAN is a quiet, understated gem of a film, one that richly rewards the patient viewer with an unforgettable emotional experience. Many films that depict those with mental or physical disabilities exploit the character's handicap for quick-fix audience sympathy. Rain Man never indulges in this. Despite it being responsible for autism becoming part of the common vernacular, the film does not dwell on the affliction's parlor-trick-like aspects.
Instead, we follow the ups and downs of Raymond's relationship with Charlie and with the world at large. Each success is followed by a setback, until we begin to question how we define "success." Charlie longs for Raymond to change, but gradually, subtly, changes the terms with which he loves him. The film refuses to take the easy way out by demonizing institutions of mental health. In the end, we are left to wonder what is best for Raymond, and whether or not Charlie is any less emotionally isolated than his brother.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about issues surrounding mental health. Should we expect people who have trouble communicating with others to adjust, or accept mental health patients as they are? Are mental health patients sick, in need of a cure? Are the doctors at the mental hospital as compassionate and well meaning as Charlie?
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Teen, 15 years old
February 10, 2010
AGE
Great, heart-warming movie. Beware of language. Sexual content should not be an issue.
I loved this movie. It is so heart-warming. It is about an autistic man and his brother who takes care of him and finds the true meaning of brotherly love. No violence what-so-ever. The language although is pretty bad. Several uses of f*ck and its variations. G**d*mn is also used several times. Many other uses of other milder profanities. One highly sexual situation. You hear moaning and other noises. You then see sexual movement under a blanket. A woman is in a bathtub and gets out although you do not see any nudity. She is then wearing pants and an unbuttoned shirt with no bra on. You may be able to see glimpses of her breasts. Although the glimpses are so short time-spanned that you could blink to miss it.
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Teen, 15 years old
May 9, 2009
AGE
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Teen, 15 years old
June 25, 2010
AGE
:/
Very good story! Tom Cruses' character starts out as a real jerk. But, then progresses into a great brother later in the movie. Has one brief sex scene. I was very disappointed in the amount of swearing in the film. So much to the point that I regret watching it Primarily, The F-word, which is used very frequently.
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Teen, 13 years old
April 17, 2009
AGE
If Cruise didn't swear so much, this'd be PG-13
Very good movie and deserved Best Picture in '88. Dustin Hoffman's performance was incredibly well done as well.
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Adult
February 19, 2009
AGE
"I cried! I laughed!"
This movie is wonderfull!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Kid, 12 years old
November 7, 2008
AGE
AWESOME MOVIE
luved it!!! really good movie except there was some language and some sexual material but overall it was excellent!!!!
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Kid, 11 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
A heartwarming, tear dropping film!
I watched this movie when I was doing research on autism. Right after I had finished watchin it I knew that I would always love this movie. the sex scene I didn't think was needed. They may were looking for a way to attract "another" genre in the movie. Some of the language I didn't think was needed. I guess the language wasn't too bad of an issue. They do say "f--k" a couple times. Overall I loved the movie and I recomend it to anyone that wants to see Hoffman at his BEST!
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
AWESOME!!!!!!
Great movie. not an explicit sex scene. tom cruise says the f*** word every other minute. But still if your kid is over 13 he/she can see this movie. GREAT ACTING.
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Parent of 7 year old
October 7, 2010
AGE
good one but messages need to be explained further for 14-16 ages.
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Teen, 15 years old
April 27, 2011
AGE
Moving.
Though Rain Man has a lot of swearing and some sexuality, the overall message of love and friendship between two brothers who have recently met is moving.
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| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | Barry Levinson |
| Cast: | Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 134 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 16, 1988 |
| DVD release date: | February 3, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | language, sex scene, brief nudity |
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