The Truman Show

  • Review Date: January 10, 2005
  • PG
  • Genre: Drama
  • 1998
 Review

Common Sense Media says

Thought-provoking story; outstanding performances.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie has some tense scenes that may upset younger or more sensitive kids, but overall this is a fine films for kids 8 and up, and their parents.


What's the story?

In THE TRUMAN SHOW, Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) is an insurance salesman who gradually realizes that everyone around him is part of an elaborate "show," and that every aspect of his life has been orchestrated and broadcast throughout the world. Truman's "ideal" suburban community is an elaborate set, his wife and best friend are actors. Sponsors pay for the show by having the participants praise their products. And all of it is presided over by Christof (Ed Harris), who leans into his microphone to give direction: "Cue the sun!"


Is it any good?

 

A thought-provoking story and outstanding performances (including a sensitive and subtle portrayal by Carrey) make this is a very worthwhile movie for families to watch together. Teenagers will relate to Truman's sense (correct in this case) that he is constantly being watched, and that the world is organized around him. While the satire may be above the heads of younger children, there is a still lot to discuss. They may enjoy the clever Free Truman! web site created by Paramount to further perpetuate the illusion.

Younger school-age children will be interested by the fascination that Truman's "real" story has for a world-wide audience with an insatiable hunger for something to watch on television, at the same time rooting for him to find a way out and wanting him to stay so they can keep watching him.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about how Truman figures out that something is wrong and whether it was fair for Christof to raise Truman that way. They can also talk to children about why television is so interesting, whether they would want to watch someone who did not know he was on television, and what Truman will think of the messier reality he finds when he leaves the set.


This review was written by Nell Minow
Teen, 15 years old
May 19, 2011
 
One of the Best Sci-Fi Films in History.
The Truman Show is a miraculous movie. Not only does it have incredible acting, music and plot, but it is thought provoking, shocking and intense. A truly wonderful movie.

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Teen, 16 years old
July 11, 2010
 
What does Jim Carrey need to do
to get an Oscar! He's been in so many fine films, this in my opinion being his defining performance. Combine superb performances within performances and an excellent Oscar-nominated script and you get "The Truman Show," a true gem in cinema history as far as creativity.

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Parent of 15 year old
July 6, 2009
 
An Amazing Film...
I hadn't really heard much about THE TRUMAN SHOW prior to viewing it, and I'm very surprised. It is a perfect movie, filled with tense drama, suspense, and wonderful acting. It really is a must-see for any movie-goer. Language is very mild: a few uses of "d**n", "h**l", and one "SOB". There is no sex or violence. Though all of the people in Truman's world manipulate and control him, he is positive, kind, and determined. You really should watch this movie. It's among the best I've seen and may be the most thought-provoking experience you ever get from a film. HIGHLY recomended.

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Kid, 13 years old
April 12, 2011
 
Carey shows some incredible acting in tense and interesting film
More disturbing and interesting than funny Jim Carey movie. This film contains some shocking scenes and some mild language.

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Teen, 16 years old
February 17, 2011
 
Suggested MPAA Rating: PG for mild thematic content, and brief mild language.

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Teen, 14 years old
October 23, 2010
 
Good Movie

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Teen, 15 years old
September 10, 2010
 
Weird.
Strange.

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Kid, 12 years old
August 24, 2010
 
great movie
very intresting everyone needs to see it

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Teen, 16 years old
November 21, 2008
 
This is AWESOME!
This is an awesome movie that touched my heart. Obviously, because Jim Carry is in it it has some hilarious scenes, but there are also some intence and sad scenes such as Truman being manipulated. This is a five star movie and I mean it when I say 'AWESOME'. Peace out i love dogs

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Teen, 17 years old
June 15, 2010
 
Tweens+
Fantasitic movie, Jim Carrey is great. There are some some-what scary scenes, but they turn out good

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This review was written by Nell Minow
Topics:misfits and underdogs
Studio:Paramount Pictures
Director:Peter Weir
Cast:Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, Natascha McElhone
Genre:Drama
Run time:103 minutes
Theatrical release date:June 5, 1998
DVD release date:January 26, 1999
MPAA rating:PG
MPAA explanation:thematic elements and mild language

This review was written by Nell Minow
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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