See more movie reviews

Tootsie (PG, 1982)

common sense media says

Touching romantic comedy with a twist.

parents & educators say
  • 40% say sexual content is an issue
See all 7 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film touches on issues such as having children out of wedlock, alcoholism, and homosexuality (much of which is mistakenly assumed during moments of cross-dressing). While these issues may seem mature, the film uses each sparingly and as a means to illustrate growth in its characters. While the storyline puts Michael (and his alter-ego Dorothy) in compromising situations, it also leads to good clean fun and personal discoveries about respect for one's self and others.

Positive messages: Various representations of strong women and chivalrous men, but also problematic misogynist characters (identified as badly behaved).
Violence: A few smacks across the face.
Sex: Implied sex and gay/lesbian innuendo.
Language: Some questionable language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Heavy drinking by a main character that is identified as a problem.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Tootsie

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the film's themes of honesty, homosexuality, and gender equality. Families can talk about the Michael's changes in attitude and treatment of women early in the film versus the end. While the movie may be over 20 years old, it still has something important to say about representations of women on television. Parents could talk to kids about how such representations have changed or remained the same since the film's production.

What's the story?

What's the story?
TOOTSIE follows the story of Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman), an out-of-work and disagreeable New York actor who disguises himself as a woman to win a plumb role in a daytime soap opera. Ultimately, Michael gets more than a steady paying job. The nation embraces his screen alter-ego Dorothy as a strong female role model. Michael quickly learns a little about what life is like for the opposite sex. As he melds his adversarial demeanor with Dorothy's on- and off-screen personae, he simultaneously finds his womanhood, manhood, and love.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Before Mrs. Doubtfire donned a dress, Dustin Hoffman made a splash on the big screen as Dorothy Michaels (née Michael Dorsey) in Tootsie. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards (including a win for Jessica Lange), the comedy entered into the feminist fray at the height of the push for the Equal Rights Amendment.

Tootsie is a raucously funny, yet touching film (that includes one of the best uses of a corncob in the history of motion pictures). Aside from classic performances by Hoffman, Lange, and Teri Garr, the film features underrated turns by Bill Murray as Michael's playwright roommate and Charles Durning as a man bitten by Dorothy's feminine wiles. The humor and subject matter stand the test of time quite well. It's truly worth watching for teens and adults.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar
Director: Sydney Pollack
Cast: Charles Durning, Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 116 minutes
Theatrical release: December 17, 1982
DVD release: January 15, 2002
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: content
This review was written by Kelly Kessler
 
 

Review It

 

Review Tootsie

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

What parents & educators say

13
Based on 5 parent & educator reviews:
  • 40% say sexual content is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

dramaqueen@hot ...
parent of 11 year old
13
 
the rating is perfect!
funny seeing Dustin Hofman as a woman wow great 80's movie perfect rating really is!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)
green_goblin
adult
14
 
A film filled with adult themes. Not for young teens.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
Poison Ivey
teen, 17 years old
12
 
It was okay
Belive me when I say this, I only rented this movie because my uncle's cousin is in it (I dont who that would be to me, my cousin?) But anyways when you watch this movie and the scene where the two people go into a hotel, you'll see a man pushing a cart of clothing from one elevator to the other and thats my uncles cousin! fy in ur eyes theres nothing bad just swearing.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
beverson
parent of 12 and 16 year old
12
 
Fun for teens and parents, a little iffy for pre-teens
This is a great movie -- the only concern I have is some sexual talk which may not be appropriate for pre-teens. An instance that comes to mind: Dustin Hoffman is in Teri Garr's bedroom while she's showering and wants to try on her dress. She catches him and he covers by saying he wants her. They are shown in bed together but it is very tame. Later when things don't go quite right, Teri Garr goes on a rant of sorts, saying (among other things) "I was responsible for my own orgasm." A point to discuss with older kids -- Dustin Hoffman being unwilling to reveal his deception and adding the additional crime of misleading Teri Garr into sleeping with him.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
mwplefty
adult
 
Anyone would like it
I'd rate it ON 13+. It's tame and relates to other modern day movies and even a Shakespearean play.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
alexman
kid, 10 years old
8
 
all Mike wants is a job but he's not as fancy as a girl he has to mess up himself to get the job from Micheal to dorthy
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)
rickydoo85
adult
 
Classic
This is my favorite Dustin Hoffman movie. I've seen this movie over 10 times, and I still laugh at the comedic display of Hoffman as a woman.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Tootsie?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines