Common Sense Media Review
By Grace Montgomery
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poignant portrayal of puberty has sexual content, profanity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Brighton Beach Memoirs
What's the Story?
Neil Simon's hit Broadway play was adapted for the film BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS. The movie chronicles the experiences of growing up poor in a big Jewish family in 1937's New York. Eugene (Jonathan Silverman) narrates the story as he navigates the pitfalls of puberty and watches his parents struggle to make ends meet, and his brother, cousin, and aunt try to discover what to do with their lives.
Is It Any Good?
Yes, this film is full of cliches: the overbearing Jewish mother, the horny teenager, the drunk Irish neighbor, etc. But somehow Brighton Beach Memoirs works. It's a sweet film that nicely captures the awkwardness of being a teen boy, the youngest in the family, and poor. The characters are genuine and relatable, and Eugene is an amusing and sympathetic narrator. Teens and parents will find lots to discuss.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about puberty and how it's portrayed in Brighton Beach Memoirs. Do you think Eugene's experiences are typical? Why, or why not?
How does Aunt Blanche change throughout the movie? How does her journey fit with other American women during that time who started becoming more independent?
Do you think Nora should have listened to her mother and uncle's advice about the Broadway show? Or do you think she should have made her own decision? When should you listen to your parents, and when should you follow your heart and instincts?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 1986
- On DVD or streaming : September 9, 1998
- Cast : Blythe Danner , Jonathan Silverman
- Director : Gene Saks
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Rastar Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 27, 2023
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