Common Sense Media Review
By Betsy Bozdech
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving dramedy serves up sexism, sexuality; lots of smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Battle of the Sexes
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say that the film presents a powerful narrative focusing on themes of sexism and empowerment, but opinions vary on its portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues and appropriateness for younger audiences. Some viewers appreciate the representation and the film's quality, while others express concern over the handling of sensitive topics and the rating, arguing it should be aimed at older teenagers due to its mature themes.
- themes of empowerment
- LGBTQ+ representation
- appropriateness concerns
- ratings debate
- quality critiques
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
It's 1973, and women's tennis superstar Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) is infuriated when she finds out that an upcoming tournament will offer the men's winner eight times as much as the women's champ. Disgusted by arguments such as "men are more exciting to watch" and "it's just biology," she and friend Gladys Heldman (Sarah Silverman) decide to set up their own tournament/tour -- and the Women's Tennis Association is born. A rough start gets smoother when the team lands a major sponsor (Virginia Slims), but the married King's internal turmoil grows as she acknowledges and eventually gives in to her powerful attraction to free-spirited hairstylist Marilyn (Andrea Riseborough). Meanwhile, former men's tennis star Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) -- stifled by the quiet, domestic life he shares with rich wife Priscilla (Elisabeth Shue) -- comes up with the perfect idea to get himself back in the public eye: a big, publicized tennis match between him and King. She doesn't take the bait at first, but eventually King can't deny that it's her destiny to participate in the BATTLE OF THE SEXES.
Is It Any Good?
Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris' thoughtful dramedy is really more about King's personal journey than it is the big match between King and Riggs -- and that's a good thing. She has to do a fair bit of soul-searching before she's really ready to put it all on the line, and her struggles make her even more sympathetic. As played by Stone, King's softer, more vulnerable moments, especially the ones with Marilyn (Riseborough), help make her a real, relatable person -- not "just" a legendary athlete. Carell's Riggs, meanwhile, is both funny and sad; it's difficult not to chuckle at his wild schemes and antics, but it's clear that he pursues them because he can't find any other source of joy and excitement in his life. (That said, you may be hard-pressed to hold on to any kind feelings toward him once he starts gleefully spewing extreme male-chauvinist rhetoric.)
As for the infamous match itself, let's just say that it's always a good sign when a movie based on real-life events with a widely known outcome can build genuinely suspenseful "how will it turn out?" tension at critical junctures (see: Apollo 13). Even non-tennis fans will be caught up in the serves and rallies. And while you can't help wishing that the issues King was fighting for -- equal pay and respect for women -- were as much a thing of the past as all of the movie's '70s cars, clothes, and props (airport TVs!), the fact that they're still timely makes Battle of the Sexes all the more relevant and compelling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Battle of the Sexes' messages. What is it saying about gender roles and the way that men and women are treated? Was the situation in the '70s a lot different than it is today? Why or why not?
How do the characters demonstrate perseverance? Why is that an important character strength? How does Bobby's approach to preparing for the match differ from Billie Jean's? How does that work out?
Why do you think Billie Jean was reluctant to share her feelings for Marilyn publicly? Do you think someone in her position would face the same challenges today? Why or why not?
How does the movie portray cigarettes and smoking? Is smoking glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
How accurate do you think the movie is to the way things really happened? Why might filmmakers choose to alter the facts in movies based on real life?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 22, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : January 2, 2018
- Cast : Emma Stone , Steve Carell , Andrea Riseborough
- Directors : Jonathan Dayton , Valerie Faris
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Fox Searchlight
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexual content and partial nudity
- Last updated : December 1, 2025
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