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Rebecca
- Review Date: July 15, 2003
- NR
- Genre: Classic
- 1940
Common Sense Media says
Excellent, but may be too long and moody for kids.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this movie is suspenseful, it's also long and moody, which might turn off antsy preteens. Teens, especially movie buffs, are more likely to get into this one: Some won't appreciate the period look and feel, but most will enjoy the twists and turns of the compelling story. This movie has mature themes including death, murder, adultery, and incest.
What's the story?
Based on the gothic novel by Daphne du Maurier, REBECCA tells the story of a young woman (Joan Fontaine) who falls in love with dashing, rich widower Maxim de Winter (Laurence Olivier) while in Monte Carlo. The two marry and return to de Winter's country estate, Manderley. But the servants are cool to the new Mrs. de Winter, and housekeeper Mrs. Danvers is downright rude to the new lady of the house. The new Mrs. de Winter learns of Rebecca, Maxim's first wife, and begins to realize that there's something very mysterious about what's going on at Manderley. Her anxieties over her marriage to Maxim and the questions surrounding Rebecca get the best of her, and she teeters toward insanity.
Is it any good?
Alfred Hitchcock's first Hollywood movie features inventive camera work, superb acting, and a story full of twists and turns. Winner of two Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Cinematography, Rebecca has been remade several times for television, but this 1940 version is still the classic. One 13-year-old girl was quickly caught up in the suspenseful atmosphere Hitchcock sustains throughout, but laughed at some of the movie's period attributes, like the fake backdrop in the driving scenes.
There's a certain paternalism evident in the relationship between Mr. de Winter and Louise. The 13-year-old girl cottoned to the idea that these two came from different class backgrounds, and she commented about how hard it is for people of different backgrounds to marry. Complex stories like Rebecca open up surprising opportunities for dialogue with children. In the end, the truly memorable character in this movie is the hateful Mrs. Danvers, played by Oscar-nominated Dame Judith Anderson, who does everything in her power to destroy the new Mrs. de Winter. Her perfectly poised nastiness hovers over the story and gives the movie its real edge.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the mature themes in this movie: death, murder, adultery, incest.
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AGE
Superb Best Picture Winner
It totally deserved the top prize in 1940, it had great acting, no language at all...movies nowadays don't add up to this. Plus the plot was fantastic and the ending was totally unexpected.
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AGE
Flawed by being somewhat melodramatic, among other things, but overall good.
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AGE
Beautiful Story = Near-Perfect Film.
Absolutely LOVE this movie, as well as the book by Daphne Du Maurier-- an absolutely wonderful love story that involves tragic mystery, and a main character's intense insecurity.
Hitchcock won his only Oscar for this film, and it was very well-deserved. I certainly recommend it (and the book) for both teens and adults.
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AGE
One of the best movies ever made.
You know i love Hitchcock movies, but he made some really excellent works like "Psycho" or "I Confess", and also some movies that are okay, but rather average, such as "To Catch a Thief" or "Strangers on a Train". This one is the first. It is an excellent piece of art, one of my favourite movies ever.
The movie would be rated PG for thematic elements if rated nowadays.
There is not much inapproriate for children:
(SPOILERS may follow:)
-There is much pressure executed on Mrs. de Winter, as she is always compared to Rebecca. It may be too intense for younger viewers to see a main character does not feel comfortable all through the movie.
-A character asks Mrs. de Winter, if it wouldn't be better if she (de Winter) jumped out of the window (she almost does).
-A deadly accident and a hidden body is a main topic, but it is never seen and it is not disturbing.
-A castle is burned and a woman is inside.
(END OF SPOILERS)
The movie is suitable for children 10 and up. If you want to show your child older movies, this (and "Citizen Kane") is the movie to start with.
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| Studio: | Selznick International Pictures |
| Director: | Alfred Hitchcock |
| Cast: | Joan Fontaine, Laurence Olivier |
| Genre: | Classic |
| Run time: | 115 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 12, 1940 |
| DVD release date: | November 20, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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