Parents' Guide to

An Officer and a Gentleman

By Hollis Griffin, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

So-so coming-of-age military flick; not for kids.

Movie R 1982 124 minutes
An Officer and a Gentleman 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 3 parent reviews

Michael.connoley
Michael.connoley Adult
August 25, 2019
age 16+

Great film - too graphic for children below 15

It has a father who purchased a woman ‘professional’ for his young son. The young son is propositioned and there is some nudity. There is also discussion of intentional pregnancy to gain marriage. The key scene to avoid is a graphic suicide towards the end. I would not recommend it for younger children. There is also a ‘c’ bomb dropped.

This title has:

Too much swearing
BestPicture1996
BestPicture1996 Adult
November 30, 2014
age 17+

Surprisingly explicit 80s fluff

As it was about to expire on Netflix, I thought I'd give this 80s staple a go. I did know the ending going in, but I think just about everyone has seen the romantic climax (I won't spoil it though). This movie surprised me with its kinda graphic nudity and frequent swearing, especially one scene where Richard Gere calls a woman a particularly nasty name. The acting is fine (though I don't see why Louis Gossett Jr. won the Oscar), but it feels like a very old fashioned movie with sex and swearing thrown in to make it look cool. Still, if you love the 80s and all the melodrama associated with it, you've probably seen this movie 80 times.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, Zack Mayo's (Richard Gere) mother commits suicide, and he's left to be raised by his drunken philandering soldier father. Unfortunately, Zach's dad treats him more like a drinking buddy than a son. After college graduation, Zack follows in his father's footsteps by enlisting in the Navy's flight school. The majority of the film chronicles Zack's time in basic training -- the friends he meets, the battles he fights, the mistakes he makes, his inability to fully commit to girlfriend Paula (Debra Winger), and the father figure he finds in Sgt. Foley (Louis Gossett Jr.).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (2):

At the heart of this passable drama is a boys-becoming-men theme, as well as father-son relationships, be they in the form of an alcoholic parent or an intimidating drill sergeant. Herein lays the film's most problematic message -- that physical intimidation, psychological bullying, and outright degradation are okay in the frame of military service.

In this equation, women are depicted very poorly. Paula and Lynette are painted as trashy, scheming girls on the make. They try to entice soldiers into sex, marriage, and commitment against their will. The vulgar language, sexual overtones, and predatory nature of these relationships make this film too intense for young viewers. At the same time, families who watch this together could discuss these behaviors -- and how they relate to both men and women in the military.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the relationships that Zack has with his father and with Sgt. Foley. Who do you think he looked up to more? Is Zack treated fairly by Sgt. Foley? Families could talk about the depiction of female characters in the movie. How are Paula, Lynette, and Seeger portrayed differently? Why did Seeger have a hard time in the military? How is she different than both Paula and Lynette?

Movie Details

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