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The Visitor

(2008, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Richard Jenkins, Hiam Abbass, Haaz Sleiman)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Insightful drama shatters post-9/11 stereotypes.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Characters generally behave morally and ethically throughout. They exhibit sensitivity and appreciation for racial and cultural diversity. Two leading characters have expired visas and are in the U.S. illegally -- the consequences for that are severe. But despite unyielding, dispassionate government agencies, the individuals in authority are usually shown to be reasonable.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Police are harsh when they arrest a man in a subway station.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Brief cursing in just one early sequence, used to indicate fear and surprise: "what the f--k?," "motherf---er," and "s--t."
  • Consumerism:

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

    Red wine is consumed on several occasions, but never to excess.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Visitor

Parents need to know that this thoughtful drama -- which celebrates the diversity of other cultures -- explores the hot-button issue of immigration. There's a little bit of swearing and some drinking, but overall the content is age-appropriate for teens, though very sensitive kids may be upset by the fact that the story doesn't spare the heartbreak that comes when families are separated abruptly. Characters pay dearly for their mistakes, even accidental ones. It's clear that the filmmaker has a strong point of view about U.S. policy since 9/11, but he attempts to be fair and even-handed.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the wide range of attitudes toward people who are in the U.S. illegally. How do you think the filmmaker feels about the immigrant characters he has created? What contributions do they make to their adopted country? Does this movie change any of your ideas about people and families from the Middle East and Africa? What about immigration in general? What do you think the movie's final message is?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    A Well-Acted Drama

    THE VISITOR is a good movie. It isn't my favorite, because I'm a devout Republican and completely disagree with its stance on illegal immigration. However, it is a very well-made movie, with a great script and acting. It's okay for teens and adults. There are two "f" words and two "s**t"s for language. Though some authority figures are nasty and three main characters break the law, the role models are positive: all main characters are kind and supportive.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0

    Engaging Movie

    The message of the movie is "people are people" no matter what their race and religion may be. Great acting, great characters, good sentiments through out. If you like "Hollywood endings" don't see it.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 2.0

    Got boring but Richard is superb

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

    Food for Thought type movie

    A little slow (in comparison to most movies), but insightful, food for thought and has its own depth. Good acting.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

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