Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lackluster take on best seller is extremely graphic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Fifty Shades of Grey
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 40 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is highly controversial, with many reviews expressing strong disapproval and labeling it as inappropriate for younger viewers due to its themes of abuse, sexual coercion, and misleading portrayals of relationships. While some viewers enjoyed the romantic aspects and saw value in the story, the overwhelming sentiment leans towards condemnation of its glorification of unhealthy dynamics, raising concerns about its impact on young audiences.
- inappropriate for kids
- glorifies abuse
- strong disapproval
- mixed reviews
- emotional impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 154 kid reviews
Kids say this movie elicits strong reactions from viewers, being labeled as inappropriate and overly graphic due to its explicit sexual content, which many believe is not suitable for younger audiences. However, a few argue that mature teens can handle it if they understand the themes of consent and abuse portrayed, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for its controversial elements.
- graphic content
- inappropriate for kids
- mature themes
- consent issues
- mixed opinions
- viewer discretion advised
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY the movie -- like the best-selling erotic novel it's based on -- is a simple story: Virginal college senior Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) must step in for her journalism major roommate, Kate, to interview 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), who's immediately taken with the soft-spoken brunette. After purposely bumping into her a couple more times, Christian reveals that he'd like Anastasia to sign a contract to engage in a dominant-submissive sexual relationship with him. But Anastasia, a virgin, has no idea what she's comfortable with until they start an intense sexual affair that makes both of them question everything they thought about relationships.
Is It Any Good?
It's all relative, of course, but this movie is infinitely better than the poorly written book it's based on, which is a best-seller because of the naughty bits, rather than the prose. As expected, the script nixes some of the book's more cringe-inducing elements (no "inner goddess" or constant exclamations of "Geez") while staying faithful to the minimalist storyline. Johnson is actually quite good as Anastasia, giving her the right amount of vulnerability and curiosity, but Dornan is nothing more than scowling eye-candy. He doesn't have a commanding enough presence to be believable in his role, though at least he's got the brooding right. While the pair generates more heat than the negative press about them would suggest, it's not nearly enough to merit the third of the movie they spend having or talking about sex.
In fact, Fifty Shades of Grey's best moments have no nudity in them at all: an innuendo-filled conversation in the hardware store where Ana works, for example; or a silly drunken phone call; or the early part of a "business meeting" to negotiate what Anastasia will and won't do with Christian. The sex is shot in such extreme close-ups that audiences might find themselves unintentionally laughing at the contrast between Johnson's unwavering enthusiasm and Dornan's look of sheer boredom or disinterest. Devoted fans of James' trilogy will be thrilled to know that the studio has committed to making all three of the books into movies, while those who were expecting an utter disaster will have to settle for an "erotic movie" with a soundtrack that's sexier than its storyline.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how sex is depicted in Fifty Shades of Grey. Is the central sexual relationship in the story a healthy one? Why, or why not? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Why do you think this book and movie are so popular? Is it an appropriate story for teens? The author began her tale as Twilight fan fiction; can you see any of Edward and Bella in these characters and their relationship?
Does the fact that the characters' relationship is consensual make everything they do together OK? What sets their activities apart from abuse/domestic violence?
Are any of the characters intended to be role models? Are they sympathetic? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 13, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : May 8, 2015
- Cast : Dakota Johnson , Jamie Dornan , Eloise Mumford
- Director : Sam Taylor-Johnson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 125 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong sexual content including dialogue, some unusual behavior and graphic nudity, and for language
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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