Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, hazing, and suicide in complex military whodunit.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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A Few Good Men
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 31 kid reviews
Kids say this film is an iconic courtroom drama featuring Tom Cruise that focuses more on dialogue than action, with a captivating story that explores themes of truth and honor in the military. While the movie has significant strong language and some mature themes such as violence and suicide, many reviewers believe it is suitable for mature teens who can handle complex narratives and adult language.
- iconic courtroom drama
- complex themes
- strong language
- mature content
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In A FEW GOOD MEN, when an unpopular Marine winds up dead after being hazed by two of his unit mates in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Navy lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) is assigned to defend the presumed murderers at their court martial. As Kaffee probes further under the urging of Internal Affairs' Lt. Cmdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore), he finds there's more to the case than meets the eye.
Is It Any Good?
Younger teens will probably be bored by the film's lack of action, but for families looking for talking points on the military—or those who just like a courtroom drama—this is a solid choice. A Few Good Men was adapted from screenwriter Aaron Sorkin's own Broadway play, and it shows: Most of the film is filled with set pieces in which the actors sit at restaurants and in courtrooms and offices, endlessly debating the case and the issues around it. Did the dead Marine bring on his fate by breaking the Marines' code of honor, as the base's commanding officer, Col. Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson), suggests? If so, does that make the dead soldier a victim, or an example of justice in action?
For older teens and adults, A Few Good Men may bring up complex and interesting issues surrounding the military and the duties of soldiers in uniform, including the nature of conformity, persecution of the weak, and the price of unquestioning obedience to superiors.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the soldiers in A Few Good Men and their interpretations of what it means to protect your country. How does the trial cause Lt. Kaffee, or the two Marines on trial, to question their own values?
Despite her higher rank and legal expertise, why does Lt. Cmdr. Galloway struggle to gain respect from her subordinates and peers? Do you consider her a positive female character? Is she written with nuance, or does she simply fall into a supporting role for Lt. Kaffee's story? Why is it important to see complex women on-screen?
In what ways do the characters in the film demonstrate courage and perseverance? Why are these traits so important to have?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 9, 1992
- On DVD or streaming : May 29, 2001
- Cast : Tom Cruise , Jack Nicholson , Demi Moore
- Director : Rob Reiner
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 138 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 11, 2025
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