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Parents' Guide to

45 Years

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Quietly powerful drama about marriage and memory.

Movie R 2015 113 minutes
45 Years Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

doctora
doctora Parent of 6-year-old
August 1, 2022
age 15+

A master class in facial reveals and discoveries

A film that is slow and determined. How can you spend 45 years with someone and realize that you do not really know them at all? Apparently, pretty easily. How does a relationship dissolve? How long does it take for one to change their mind about their lifetime commitments? This film explores that and Rampling is mesmerizing!!! Her face...the transitions on her face! Her body language...she is superb!! This film has a strong narrative, but the discovery on her face! She definitely makes this film a must-see.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Days before their 45th wedding anniversary, Geoff (Tom Courtenay) and Kate (Charlotte Rampling) get an unexpected letter containing a bombshell: A body has been found in the Swiss Alps, and it's the corpse of the woman Geoff was dating decades ago, before he met his wife (the woman fell to her death while she and Geoff were hiking together in the mountains). The news is a shock to Geoff, and while he and Kate prepare to celebrate their long and enduring relationship, he's simultaneously forced to remember his former self. And as he starts to recall old habits and fond memories, Kate is forced to reexamine the foundation of their relationship.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

If still waters run deep, then 45 YEARS -- a searing and powerful drama -- has fathoms beneath it. A seemingly stable relationship shifts techtonically, but the audience isn't clubbed over the head with this revolution. Instead, like lobsters sitting in increasingly boiling water, we feel the heat slowly, sometimes imperceptibly, but definitely permanently. Kudos to director Andrew Haigh, who allows the camera to capture the small but significant moments that tell the story of doubt creeping into an otherwise solid marriage. But, truly, it's stars Courtenay and Rampling who make the movie the tour de force that it is.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how 45 Years depicts marriage. Does it seem realistic? How does it compare to the way you've seen marriages portrayed in other movies and TV shows?

  • Is Kate and Geoff's marriage a good one? What makes a good marriage? How does the film address this question?

  • What role do drinking and smoking play in the story? Are they necessary to the plot?

Movie Details

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