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Parents' Guide to

The Phantom of the Open

By Danny Brogan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Feel-good golf biopic dramedy has smoking, strong language.

Movie PG-13 2022 106 minutes
The Phantom of the Open movie poster

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

Mrweeba12
Mrweeba12 Adult
May 31, 2022
age 12+

This film is good, but...

This film is a good film, although, it doesn't always reach everybody's interests. The film has some good laughs, but if you are not into those types of movies. It can be quite a bore-fest. There is a lot about golf and the film would be great if you are into English comedy. But if you're not into those types of programmes. I don't recommend Language: There are a few uses of the f-word. But they are used in non-sexual context and are played for laughs and quips. they use the s-word and they use words like bollo***. and others. they also use the words bloody hell. Friggin,and when a man is trying to speak Spanish to a man. he uses testicles by accident and in no sexual way. Taking the piss is used and so are some blasphemous remarks. Sexual Content: There is little no sexual content but the two twins refer to ladies as ''birds'. Drinking and usage of drugs: The main character is seen with a cigarette in his hand regularly. There is some drinking at a pub. but there is nothing much that should stop you or concern you of the content in this film.
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What's the Story?

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN tells the true story of Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance), a man who dreamed of fame and fortune. After stumbling across a golf tournament on his TV, he decided to become a professional golfer -- despite never having played the game -- and entered the 1976 British Open golf championship.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

With its stranger-than-fiction plot, this British comedy oozes a feel-good factor that will leave audiences feeling warm in its glow. Directed by Craig Roberts, The Phantom of the Open is a classic underdog story. The fact that it's true only makes it all the more remarkable and will have you reaching for the internet to find out if it really did happen. We'll save you some clicks ... it did. Maurice Flitcroft's appearance at the 1976 British Open has gone down in golfing history and earned the shipyard crane operator the nickname, "the world's worst golfer" -- a moniker the man himself objected to. As you might expect, a story as bizarre as this has plenty of laughs. However, it's also a tale about chasing your dreams, no matter how far-fetched they might be.

It would be easy for Flitcroft to be a figure of fun. But his delusions of grandeur are never played for cheap laughs, which is a credit to both the writing, directing, and Rylance's excellent performance. Rylance takes center stage, but he is matched by an equally noteworthy Sally Hawkins, who plays Flitcroft's wife, Jean. Meanwhile Rhys Ifans has fun playing the stuffy organizer of the golfing tournament and Flitcroft's adversary. As for Roberts, having made a name of himself in front of the camera in the likes of the sweet Submarine, he is proving himself to be a young director more than capable of handling a feature-length film with an A-star cast. Even if golf is not your thing, this is a heartwarming, inspirational film that is well worth taking a swing at.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the character of Maurice Flitcroft in The Phantom of the Open. Would you describe him as a positive role model? Why, or why not? What character strengths did he display? Can you think of a time in your own life when you've shown these traits?

  • Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?

  • A number of characters are shown smoking in the film. What are the dangers of smoking? How have attitudes to smoking changed since when the movie was set?

  • The movie is based on a true story. What other films have you seen that were about real events?

Movie Details

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