The Truman Show (PG, 1998)

common sense media says

Thought-provoking story; outstanding performances.


parents & educators 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.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Some tense scenes.
Sex: Mild.
Language: Mild.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on The Truman Show

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

What's the story?

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?

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 themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Director: Peter Weir
Cast: Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, Natascha McElhone
Genre: Drama
Run time: 103 minutes
Theatrical release: June 5, 1998
DVD release: January 26, 1999
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: thematic elements and mild language

This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7

Most useful reviews by all members

Dideloop2
teen, 15 years old
 
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.

Jadenp
teen, 15 years old
 
Suggested MPAA Rating: PG for mild thematic content, and brief mild language.

MovieWatcher0606
teen, 14 years old
 
Good Movie

Frylock
teen, 14 years old
 
Weird.
Strange.

GOREROCKS
parent of 6 and 8 year old
 
AWESOME
Awesome show a must see!!!!!

Delare
teen, 17 years old
 
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.

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

lilmissfrankie
kid, 12 years old
 
great movie
very intresting everyone needs to see it

BestPicture1996
teen, 16 years old
 
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.

asam
teen, 14 years old
 
dark
It's A GREAT Movie, too dark for young kids (Age 13+)

Tsion
parent of 15 year old
 
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.

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

bubbo
adult
 
Incredible! One of My Favorites!
The Truman Show is a fascinating and unique film with great acting and an absorbing story. This is one of the best films I have ever seen- it's sad, funny, and just plain great. Although I'm not sure this movie is for 8 year olds- they probably wouldn't find it interesting. Good for kids 10+

Johan
teen, 18 years old
 
I love this movie!
The Truman Show is a wonderful, thought-provoking movie (And it is a movie, not a tv show) that really makes you think about life. It also gives a thought that maybe, during your whole life, you are being watched like "Big brother" watches you in the film "1984". It has a great story that only a genius could have thought up, the acting and drama is remarkable, and it's just... great! I love it! parents, your kid should be over ten, however before seeing this, or he/she might not get the story or the concept. There is some language and a couple tiny somewhat hard-to-notice sexual referances. Also, it might be disturbing to a kid whos not old enough that they might be being watched. Also, the cruel thing that is done to Truman, making him into a TV show, will draw thoughts from you mind. But its a great movie. See it.

Meow314159
teen, 15 years old
 
Good movie
It's weird to think about.

iluvzmoosyk
teen, 16 years old
 
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

KidWhoReviewsStuff
kid, 13 years old
 
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.

Magidad
parent
 
Great film. Highly underrated Carrey performance...
I really liked this film a lot. I think it was deep, thought provoking and well acted (while Jim Carrey is Brilliant, Ed Harris is as well.) There is an intense secene in a boat torwards the end where Truman gets over a childhood fear. It is quirky and fun too. There is mild swearing but nothing to be concerned about. This is a great film for families and while I like Pleasantville more for it's strong themes I think this can appeal to a younger more broad audience. People of all ages can take something away from this film and they'll be better for it.

 
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.

Hedgypus47
kid, 12 years old
 
FIVE STAR MOVIE
Wow I would have never thought of that plot. It's like Inception only not confusing. It's really intresting and great for all ages.My fave!!!

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