 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
When Harry Met Sally
- Review Date: December 4, 2005
- R
- Genre: Comedy
- 1989
Common Sense Media says
Wit- and charm-filled romantic comedy classic.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie, while set against the background of a strong friendship and filled with great romantic role models, contains many references to sex. Though no sex is actually shown, about a quarter of conversation revolves almost completely around the topic. The most famous scene in the movie is a simulated orgasm at a New York deli.
What's the story?
Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) meet for the first time while sharing a ride from Chicago to New York City. Sally is an uptight, optimistic, and intelligent person, while Harry is a thoughtful, sex-crazed chauvinist. Over a period of 10 years, they bicker, become best friends, and eventually fall in love, answering the age-old question, "Can a man and a woman be friends, without sex getting in the way?"
Is it any good?
Producer Nora Ephron and director Rob Reiner make delightful, timeless romantic classics, and this is their best-known work. Many have tried, but none has succeeded in capturing the charm, wit, and chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan shown onscreen in this classic romantic comedy. Every element of this film possesses strength, including the script that (supposedly based on Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron's true-to-life on again/off again relationship).
Who can forget such memorable lines as, "Oh, but 'baby fish mouth' is sweeping the nation?" and of course Rob Reiner's mother's declaration of, "I'll have what she's having." This film has a timeless quality that transcends decades, meaning that teenagers may not automatically write it off as an "old movie." As relevant and entertaining today as it was in 1989 and probably still in 2039, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY is one movie not to be missed. Suitable for older teens and up.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about friendships and how people can change over time, premarital sex, and the role sex plays in adult relationships, both marriage and otherwise.
Is Harry correct in his theory that men and women can't be friends?
How realistic is the outcome of their relationship?
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
One of the Greats!
I love this movie with every ounce of my being, and as I've gotten older, it has taken on new meaning every time I watch it. The whole movie is so perfect--the actors, the dialogue, and the message. Still, after watching it again last night, I know that it isn't something I'd let my 11 year old watch. It's not that he wouldn't understand, and he probably would think it's funny, but the sexual dialogue is just too much. And as far as this movie creating unrealistic expectations about romance--the thing is, most of the time, the guy does not show up on New Year's Eve to profess his love, but sometimes, it does work out that way. It's a lot of fun to believe in happily ever after!
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Teen, 15 years old
March 21, 2011
AGE
Great movie
I really like this movie. If you wanna see it, watch it on TV. The scene with the most sexual references can easily be skipped by parents showing it to their teens. Overall, it's fine, except for one scene. If parents want to show it to their older teen then they can, skipping a scene is simple
What other families should know:
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Adult
December 22, 2011
AGE
Gives too much permission...
All kids tend to think they are more mature than average. So if sex is OK for an 18 year old, then it's OK for me, even though, I'm like, CHRONOLOGICALLY sixteen...
Therefore, while adults find this movie insightful and funny, it's going to give kids the impression that premarital sex is OK. And, whether or not you think that may be true for a 23 year old, I think you'll agree that it is not what you want for any of the minors in your life.
What other families should know:
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Educator
September 18, 2011
AGE
Meg Ryan a succesful actress! to me she is
This is one of those movies for the older generation i mean sure teenagers can watch it its a very good movie i love Meg Ryan i have a few movies with her about 4 she is a very taltented and sucessful actress so is Billy Crystal but i prefer Meg a movie that proves men and women can' just be friends i liked it!
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Educator and Parent of
September 9, 2011
AGE
A truly great romantic comedy.
When Harry Met Sally... is one of the quintessential romantic comedies of all time. Meg Ryan is lovely as the cheerful but opinionated Sally; and Billy Crystal nails his part as the dark and quirky Harry. The chemistry between them is extremely good, and the dialogue is smart and funny. a little sexual references, a little language. But what's that compared to the non-stop laughs and insight this film provokes?
What other families should know:
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| Topics: | friendship |
| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Rob Reiner |
| Cast: | Billy Crystal, Carrie Fisher, Meg Ryan |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 96 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 12, 1989 |
| DVD release date: | January 9, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | sexual themes and language |
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