Alfie
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Alfie
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Alfie is the classic 1966 British comedy drama known for its career-defining performance by Michael Caine as the titular character. The film was revolutionary for the time for how Alfie breaks the fourth wall and addresses the camera as well as its stark depictions of abortion. Loaded with sexual innuendo, the script is purposefully littered with objectifying language toward women who are used only for sex. However, as the story develops a number of these women get their own back on Alfie. As befitting the '60s time period, characters are seen smoking and drinking. There is also a bar fight with fists and chairs thrown. There are also scenes in a hospital where characters are seen for potentially fatal illnesses. The abortion however, takes place as an illegal procedure in a character's home. Nominated for five Academy Awards, it also stars Shelley Winters and Jane Asher, and was directed by Lewis Gilbert. A less credible remake was made in 2004 with Jude Law attempting to fill Caine's shoes.
What's the Story?
Man about town ALFIE (Michael Caine) loves to love, but hates to be tied down. As he bed hops across London, he invites us in on his antics by giving us our own personal guide to treating women mean to keep them keen. But when Alfie becomes an accidental father, his moral compass begins to quiver. Will fatherhood put his wicked ways to bed?
Is It Any Good?
The excellence in this movie lies in Caine's exquisite performance. In Alfie, the British actor brilliantly lands both the sauce and sentiment of the titular character. A lesser actor would leave us with a one-dimensional cad. Yet this sharp, sensitive performance allows us to see his human side and find enjoyment in this witty, observant comedy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Alfie portrayed sex. Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How would you describe Alfie? What did the movie have to say about his lifestyle? What lessons did he learn?
Talk about the women in the movie. How did their position change by the end of the film?
Alfie addresses the camera throughout the movie. This technique is often called "breaking the fourth wall." How did this make you feel as a viewer?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 24, 1966
- On DVD or streaming: February 27, 2001
- Cast: Michael Caine, Shelley Winters, Jane Asher
- Director: Lewis Gilbert
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 114 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: December 12, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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The Italian Job (1969)
Classic, fun caper has outdated views, moderate violence.
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The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
Classic '60s heist film has some violence.
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Some Like It Hot
One of the wildest romantic farces ever.
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