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A Raisin in the Sun

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Thoughtful, play-based drama examines racism.

Themes in this movie include:   family relationships
updated 10.08.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Deals with overcoming obstacles of racism in a very honest, often painful way. Other issues include stereotypes, poverty, and the possibility of abortion; all are dealt with in a thoughtful, realistic way.

  • Role models:

    The African-American Younger family works very hard to overcome racial prejudice -- despite obstacles like a white man (representing the family's new neighborhood) who offers to buy the family's house to keep them from moving in.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Family members don't always agree, but they don't get violent.

  • Sex:

    In one scene, Walter tries to stroke his wife's breast during an intimate moment.

  • Language:

    Walter says the "N" word once.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About A Raisin in the Sun

Parents need to know that this movie -- which is based on the landmark play by Lorraine Hansberry -- deals with racism in a very honest, often painful way. Mature topics and themes include abortion and poverty; one African-American character demeans himself by playing into white stereotypes of African-Americans and uses the "N" word, but it's understandable within the context of the story. The central family members don't always agree, but in the end they're all working for a better life. Aside from the complex subject matter, the movie has very little iffy content, making it an excellent choice for watching with older tweens and teens.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how media can be used positively to counteract negative stereotypes. What stereotypes were present in this film? How did the characters fulfill or dispel them? What message did the movie send about stereotypes in the end?
  • What did you learn as a result of watching this movie?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    iluv2write
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0

    I cried, and i laughed

    this movie is very good.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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