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Parents' Guide to

Citation

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Slow-moving Nigerian drama about sexual harassment, assault.

Movie NR 2020 151 minutes
Citation Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

Tina C.
Tina C. Adult
May 16, 2023
age 14+
A convincing but harrowing film about male abuse of power over women. Flawlessly acted with gorgeous scenery. A tale set in Nigeria and Senegal which is interesting but applies to women worldwide.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Based on real events, CITATION tells the story of Moremi (Temi Otedola), a bright student pursuing her master's degree at a prestigious university in Nigeria. This semester, Moremi's class will have charismatic new professor Lucien N'Dyare (Jimmy Jean-Louis) as lecturer and thesis advisor. Moremi quickly catches N'Dyare's attention, and his eye as well. He makes several unwanted sexual advances toward Moremi, who rejects him but doesn't tell anyone about the incidents. Then one night N'Dyare tries to rape Moremi. Moremi manages to run away, and brings charges against N'Dyare to the university's disciplinary body. Doing so costs her dearly. She's shunned by friends, and she and her boyfriend break up over it. The university hearing may come down to N'Dyare's word (who tells very different versions of events) against Moremi's. Unless she can find some proof that she's telling the truth...

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This earnest movie thoughtfully and quietly tells a story based on real events and raises lots of issues about sexual harassment and assault that are important to understand and talk about. Citation is told in a very serious and even-handed way, but that unfortunately weakens the emotional impact of the characters and the story. The pace is very slow and serious, so at about 2.5 hours long viewers may feel restless at times. Several extended scenes, like the concert and the martial arts black belt match and ceremony, do little to add to the story.

There are lots of issues it's important for teens and young adults to think about, like relationships where one person has a lot more power than the other, blaming the victim, institutional bias, and more. But the slow pace, serious tone, and length may limit teen appeal. Mature themes surrounding sexual harassment and attempted rape make it best for teens and up.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in Citation. Is seeing it in movies different from video games, or reading about it? Why?

  • What made it difficult for Moremi to come forward and to see the hearing through to the end? Why is it important to speak up and speak out about sexual harassment and assault? What would you have done if you were Moremi?

  • Did the university handle Moremi's case appropriately? Has anything like this happened at your school? How was it handled?

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