Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heavy French drama with explicit sex, mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Blue Is the Warmest Color
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a powerful exploration of sexuality, particularly appealing to queer teens, though viewers note the numerous explicit scenes and its suitability for mature audiences only. Some praise the emotional depth and storytelling, while others express concerns about its lengthy runtime and graphic content, emphasizing that it should not be viewed by children.
- explicit content
- emotional depth
- mature audience
- positive message
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR, Adele has had her share of heartbreak and frustration when it comes to high school romance. She becomes intrigued by a young woman with blue hair whom she sees around town. Adele finally tracks Emma down, and the two strike up a friendship that turns into something much more. Through her relationship with Emma, Adele matures in many ways. But the lesson that one mistake can cost you everything is one she'll have to learn the hard way.
Is It Any Good?
Director Abdellatif Kechiche gets amazing performances out of two young actresses and gives the viewer a lot to think about. The explicit sex certainly grabs the attention, but Blue Is the Warmest Color offers the adult viewer a great deal more to ponder. Teens, though, are unlikely to have the patience to sit through three hours of extended literature- and philosophy-class discussions or the equally extensive adult conversations along the same lines.
The title in French includes (in translation) "Chapters 1 and 2," suggesting there may be more chapters to come, which makes the excessive length less understandable. The lack of an ending, though, is much more understandable, if not less frustrating, once you know you've only seen the beginning of Adele's life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the graphic sex in Blue Is the Warmest Color. How much is OK for kids to see?
Does all the smoking make it seem glamorous or cool? Is it realistic? What are some of the dangers of smoking?
Notice the pressure Adele feels from her friends at school and later from Emma's art-school friends. How do they differ, if at all? How do you respond to peer pressure?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 23, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : February 25, 2014
- Cast : Lea Seydoux , Adele Exarchopoulos
- Director : Abdellatif Kechiche
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Quat'sous Films , Wild Bunch
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Run time : 180 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Explicit sexual content
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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