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Walk the Line
- Review Date: February 27, 2006
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2005
Common Sense Media says
Fascinating biopic, best for mature teens and up.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film includes frequent images of drug use and drunkenness, as Johnny Cash was a famously driven, unhappy man, as well as a brilliant artist. The film concerns his relationship with his wife June Carter, which involves both divorcing other spouses and tensions as she helps him fight his addictions. The film also features frequent cursing, drinking, and smoking, as well as fights between father and son. A boy is killed off-screen in a circle-saw accident. There is a brief sex scene and some adulterous behavior.
What's the story?
WALK THE LINE tells the life story of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) as he tries to please his disparaging father Ray (Robert Patrick), and finds solace in his passions for music and June (Reese Witherspoon). June and Johnny's legendary mutual devotion helps to make his equally infamous orneriness seem worthwhile. The film begins with Johnny's childhood trauma-that-becomes-life-crushing-guilt – the death of his older brother. Johnny joins the Air Force, and buys his first guitar while stationed in Germany in 1955. While in the Air Force, Johnny sees a newsreel about Folsom Prison, feels a kinship with the inmates, and writes "Folsom Prison Blues," the song with the dicey lyrics that convinces Sam Phillips (Dallas Roberts) to sign him. Johnny falls in love with fellow country singer June, but he's married to Vivian (Ginnifer Goodwin), who resents his absence and addictions. As Johnny's fame grows, his marriage falls apart and he desperately tries to win June, who inspires him in his career and eventually agrees to marry him.
Is it any good?
Fascinating and well-acted, WALK THE LINE's mythologizing of Johnny Cash is never very surprising (though Phoenix's performance is frequently remarkable). Predictably showcasing high and low points, this biopic wrestles the man's contradictions and passions into a typical, palatable shape. The dead brother story begs comparison to Ray Charles', as do the two films' structural similarities.
June's dedication to Johnny is admirable and profound, She supports her man in all circumstances, even when Johnny makes it hard to love him. It makes all the difference, as the film loves their glorious duets and returns repeatedly to her moral and emotional schooling. Throughout the film, June's gaze makes Johnny seem inspired and exceptional. It's a familiar story, the good woman who stands by her man. And it's tantalizing too, suggesting that another, perhaps less typical story might be found in June's life.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether or not they feel this is an accurate portrayal of the events in Cash's life. Are there biases involved in the storytelling? Does the movie further the myth of Johnny Cash or provide new insight into his character? From whose point of view is the story told?
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AGE
Moved to silence (almost)...
If movies ever made me cry, this one would have done it. At the end of the film, I sat with my mouth open. This is a beautiful love story of two people who support and defend one another through times most of us don't have to imagine. Aside from the "throw away" manner in which Johnny and Vivian's relationship was shown (absolutely no redeeming qualities were given to her), the movie shows the bad consequences of bad behavior and the good consequences of good behavior. That it's all true made it even more touching. Highly recommend.
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AGE
Brings an era of music alive
This story of Johnny Cash's career and its impact on his health was well done. The story line, acting and directing were all excellent. The depiction of drug and alchohol abuse was realistic. It did not glamorize the use of drugs and alchohol. The consequences of abuse were graphic and devastating to all concerned.
The movie provided an interesting view of a few of the key people involved in the 'birth of rock and roll.' I recommend it.
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AGE
Good music, could have been a great movie
There's a good story there -- about what it means to be a truly good person, and that we all have darkness in us. But I wish we would have seen more of June's side of things.
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AGE
Great movie! I highly recommend it for older teens and up
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AGE
A Fantastic Movie!!
This was GREAT!!! It seriously deserves many Oscars!!! The acting was fantastic, and the music rocked!
Now...down to business...SPOILER WARNING!!
some language, including the f-word once. Implied affairs, and Johnny wakes up in bed with a girl once. His brother was killed in a saw accident, and it's pretty bloody, but nothing's really shown. Of course Cash takes drugs and drinks a lot, but it is all shown in a negative light, and he learns to overcome his addictions. All in all, I think most young teens can handle it. It was really an inspiring film!
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| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | James Mangold |
| Cast: | Ginnifer Goodwin, Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 136 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 18, 2005 |
| DVD release date: | February 28, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some language, thematic material and depiction of drug dependency. |
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