Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kubrick's epic adaptation has violence, nudity, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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Barry Lyndon
What's the Story?
In BARRY LYNDON, an Irish man (Ryan O'Neal) leaves his hometown seeking a better future. Lyndon joins the army, lies and cheats his way up, before eventually seducing the wealthy Lady Honoria Lyndon (Marisa Berenson) to take his place among the aristocracy in 18th-century England.
Is It Any Good?
With four Oscars up its elaborately tailored sleeve, this isn't Stanley Kubrick's best-known or most popular film, but it is among his most celebrated. Between the relaxed, sometimes tongue-in-cheek narration; slow, luxurious pace; and sweeping runtime, Barry Lyndon gives the feeling of being pulled into the world of the novel, scenes unfolding around and likely continuing off-screen as our increasingly less likable lead wanders from one adventure to the next. It's not laugh-out-loud funny, but there's a dry wit at play that adds a kind of comedy of manners element to the epic drama about a man at once casually unassuming but unwaveringly ambitious. Lyndon's isn't a character ever fully understood -- seemingly by himself or the viewer -- which leaves us distanced from the action, but more able to take in the stunning cinematography and settings that seem to go on forever -- a little like the film itself. For those willing to immerse themselves in the journey rather than the destination, this is a Kubrick film that takes its place in movie history and offers plenty to occupy its expansive screen time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about themes of identity and morals in Barry Lyndon. Lyndon appeared to adjust his identity to any given situation and showed selfishness, cruelty but also kindness on occasion. Can you think of other characters in films that have a complex identity? How do you think the narrator affected how we saw Lyndon?
How were women portrayed in the film? What kind of roles did they take on? How did Lyndon behave toward women?
How did the film portray the sex and nudity? Was it affectionate and respectful? Was it tastefully handled? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Lyndon showed perseverance in his desire to achieve a higher social standing. Discuss how character strengths can be used in positive and less positive ways, depending on the character.
Discuss the violence in the film. Did you find it over the top? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 18, 1975
- On DVD or streaming : October 23, 2007
- Cast : Ryan O'Neal , Marisa Berenson , Patrick Magee
- Director : Stanley Kubrick
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 185 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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