Towelhead is the newest attraction from the creative mind of Alan Ball. This time he looks at the sexual tension that a 13 yr. old girl has towards a young boy at school and a neighbor. It's too bad that many people were scared away by this because it has a story a pretty good acting, but her sexual desires can be very strong at times in the movie, and one scene may bother many people.
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Towelhead
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Racism and abuse sabotage teen's sexual awakening.
Why We Rated This 
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Towelhead
Parents need to know that this disturbing movie is highly controversial by intent. The film's trailer sells it as a contemporary satire about an ethnically mixed culture, but the only humor comes from viewers' shock at seeing characters portrayed as ridiculously obtuse, cruel, and unaware. There are many scenes of intense psychological and sexual abuse. The victim is a 13-year-old girl who's dealing with her own budding sexual urges; throughout the film, she's at the mercy of predatory adults, dysfunctional parents, and race-baiting teens and kids. Scenes of masturbation, statutory rape, intercourse, and bare-breasted fantasies alternate with scenes of racial name-calling, dishonesty, jealousy, and heartlessness. In other words? Not for kids.
Read our full review by Renee Schonfeld
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about what the movie says about victims of racial prejudice taking out their frustration on other ethnic groups. What other messages does the movie send? Do you think a movie that's controversial for controversy's sake can be effective? Families can also discuss Jasira's journey as an example of survival under horrific circumstances. Do you think she'll ever be able to overcome the life she's been handed? What clues does the filmmaker give to help you find the answer to that question? How does the movie show that having one good person on your side can make a difference?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title off for age 13 and give it
Towelhead.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Good but awkward
THe movie is a very powerful movie, that at times was very awkwrad and disturbing to watch due to the graphic sexuality. I would say that this movie is appropriate for anyone that can buy the tickets, and as long as they know that it is a mature movie with very dark plot and scenes.
- I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Definitely Adults Only - Not Comedic
I liked this movie, but it was very hard to watch. This is a serious movie about sexual abuse, sexual exploration during puberty, and the difficulties of growing up in a different culture. The main character, a Lebanese 13-year-old is lost among her pubescent sexual desires, guided by her hypocritical father who indulges in an American lifestyle while expecting his daughter to maintain traditional behavior and her neighbors who are not all good people. Extremely good acting in what must have been very difficult roles.
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