Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Young love is sweet, romantic, with some teen rebellion.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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A Little Romance
What's the Story?
Lauren (Diane Lane, 13 years old, in her first film role) is an American girl living with her well-to-do parents in Paris in 1979. She's brighter than most, with a philosophical bent, and has few friends. Daniel (Thelonius Bernard) is a brilliant, free-spirited French boy, obsessed with American movies. When the two meet there's an immediate, joyful connection as Daniel shares "his Paris" with Lauren. But though their relationship intensifies quickly, circumstances and a shallow mother get in their way. Determined to be together, they embark on a daring quest to share a legendary kiss under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy at sundown. Their only ally is a charming, elderly Frenchman (Laurence Olivier), who unknowingly aids them on their runaway adventure.
Is It Any Good?
There's a wonderful innocence and sincerity to this story of first love, with none of the harsh edges that seem to characterize more recent popular teen romances. Open-hearted young teens, even preteens, will relate to the characters, root for them, and most likely, experience the romance along with Lauren and Daniel.
It's a film parents can share and enjoy, too. Diane Lane is terrific in her film debut. Paris and the Italian cities of Verona and Venice cast their enchanted spells, and the Academy Award-winning musical score is sparkling, as well. Even a few one-dimensional characters and some outrageous over-acting (at the risk of tarnishing an icon, Olivier's performance is dazzlingly hammy) can't spoil the sweetness of this film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the two very distinct lifestyles this movie portrays. In spite of the differences in upbringing, how were Lauren and Daniel the same? What did they learn from each other?
Describe the qualities that made Lauren's stepdad, Richard, the most effective parent in this film. Are there any people like Richard in your life?
This movie is set in 1979. Do you think teens have changed in how they choose to rebel against their parents' demands and expectations? Do the behaviors exhibited now seem more or less dangerous than the ones depicted in this film?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 27, 1979
- On DVD or streaming : January 3, 2003
- Cast : Diane Lane , Laurence Olivier , Thelonius Bernard
- Director : George Roy Hill
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 6, 2020
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