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Parents' Guide to

A Beautiful Mind

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Oscar-winning biopic is too intense for tweens.

Movie PG-13 2001 135 minutes
A Beautiful Mind Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 8 parent reviews

CSMContentDefault
CSMContentDefault Adult
October 17, 2018
age 13+
Cozymonster Bigman
Cozymonster Bigman Adult
January 6, 2017
age 15+

One of the most emotional and dramatic pieces of awesomeness I've ever seen! I almost cried!

I think it should be geared towards hard-core teens and adults, because even though it is a very great film, there might be some upsetting and intense imagery that can easily frighten younger sensitive viewers. But other than that, great story, great characters and also great tension, too. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars!
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

A man sees what no one else can, and we call him a genius. A man sees what no one else does, and we call him crazy. This Academy Award-winner for Best Picture is about a man who was both. It's the true story of genius John Forbes Nash, Jr., who revolutionized mathematics and struggled with mentally illness. More than 40 years later, as he edged back into sanity, his contribution was recognized by academics in Sweden. They awarded him the Nobel Prize.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8 ):
Kids say (26 ):

This is an extraordinary story, and it has been made into an extraordinary movie. Crowe is, as always, simply magnificent in a role that would provide irresistible temptation for showboating for most actors. There are superb performances by everyone in the cast, including Connelly (an Oscar-winner for Best Supporting Actress), Paul Bettany, Ed Harris, Christopher Plummer, Judd Hirsch, and a dozen others.

What is really special here is the way that screenwriter Akiva Goldman and director Ron Howard have found a way to present both Nash's genius and his mental illness in such compelling, cinematic, and accessible terms. Both in essence become characters in the story as we go inside his head and wonder with Nash what to believe. This is what makes the movie more than a disease-of-the-week special with color-by- numbers "heartwarming" moments of triumph over adversity. This is what makes the movie itself a true work of art.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about mental illness, about how people with mental illness need to be treated, and about what is different now in the way we treat the mentally ill from the days depicted in the movie. Families who want to know more should check the Web site for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

Movie Details

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