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The Truman Show

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Thought-provoking story; outstanding performances.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    None
  • Violence:

    Some tense scenes
  • Sex:

    Mild
  • Language:

    Mild
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    None

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Truman Show was written by Nell Minow

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.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • 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.
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More on The Truman Show

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.

Movie Details

Studio: Paramount Pictures, Director: Peter Weir
Run time: 103 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/31/1999
MPAA Rating: PG

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Nebraska
    Kids ages: 14
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    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.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Greatest Movie I've Ever Seen.

    "The Truman Show" Is The Best Movie I've Ever Seen. Maybe It Is Because I Enjoy Making Videos, But Anyone Is Sure To Like This Video.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    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

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on and give it 5.0

    Great

    It was very weird, but very well done. Jim Carrey's best performance. It shows us the corruption in the movie industry and government and reality TV. Hopefully this never actually happens to anyone though.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 3.0

    Weird Movie

    This was a weird but entertaining movie. Jim Carrey did an excellent job, not his usual stuff.

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