Bull Durham
Common Sense says
- R
- 1988
- 108 minutes
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there are many explicit discussions of sexuality in Bull Durham. Susan Sarandon's character spends a great deal of screen time outlining her philosophy on sexuality, especially about the relationship between sex and baseball. There are a few scenes of simulated sex with a little nudity. Alcohol, lots of strong language ("f--k," "s--t," and "p---y"), bar fights, and a marijuana reference are also onscreen.
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What's the story?
BULL DURHAM is the story of Crash Davis (Kevin Costner), a Walt Whitman-quoting, veteran minor league catcher enlisted to help not-so-bright rookie pitcher Nuke LaLoosh (Tim Robbins) mature as a player. Along the way, siren Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon), an avid baseball fan and philosopher of sexuality, intervenes by offering Nuke an extended (and explicit) sexual education that she firmly believes will lead him to glory on the diamond.
Is it any good?
Writer/director Ron Shelton brings a modicum of authenticity to this tale of baseball and sex due to his own experiences as a minor league player. But you don't have to be a devotee of Annie's "Church of Baseball" to enjoy Bull Durham's earthy mix of romance, sports, and comedy. Although much of the movie takes place in dugouts, locker rooms, and on the mound, it will appeal to audiences everywhere.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about where sex fits into Bull Durham, as well as into our culture and our personal lives. What are the characters' philosophies about sex? What messages about sex have you learned from your families? How does the media portray sex?
Talk about beliefs. What do you believe in? What's important to you? What guides you through life and helps you make decisions?
Movie details
- In theaters: June 15, 1988
- On DVD or streaming: April 2, 2002
- Cast: Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins
- Director: Ron Shelton
- Studio: MGM/UA
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 108 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language and sexual situations
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
Our editors recommend
For kids who love baseball
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
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