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Parents' Guide to

Good Morning, Vietnam

By Afsheen Nomai, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Robin Williams at his scatological finest.

Movie R 1987 119 minutes
Good Morning, Vietnam Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Ben D.
Ben D. Parent of 9 and 11-year-old
March 14, 2023
age 12+

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
SaraCLee
SaraCLee Adult
June 9, 2021
age 16+

I just don’t understand!

How are there excuses to have REAL little boys FULL FRONTAL NUDE in this movie and pan over to them not once BUT twice? The director's couldn’t get ADULTS to portray this scene? Why little boys being naked for the movie? Pretty sure if people found images pertaining to THAT exact scene on their computer, they’d be arrested. That was a completely unnecessary scene!
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM is based on the true story of Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams), a mouthy air force radio DJ who's transferred to Vietnam during the height of the conflict. With his irreverent and sometimes biting humor, Cronauer almost immediately conflicts with his commanding officers. Things get serious as he falls in love with a local girl and experiences firsthand how war affects individuals as much as it does a nation.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (10 ):

While this film is incredibly funny, there are some downright serious moments. Williams handles both in full stride. Rather than gloss over the conflict, director Barry Levinson and writer Mitch Markowitz manage to provide some very poignant commentary on the war, with scenes ranging from Williams' wild cries of "Good morning, Vietnam!" to his harrowing experience being stranded behind enemy lines.

While the dialogue is a little lackluster (save for Williams' classic monologues), Good Morning, Vietnam offers strong performances by Williams (who was nominated for an Oscar for the role) and Forest Whitaker.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about situations in which disrespecting or disobeying superiors might or might not be considered acceptable. Should Adrian's superiors have been more flexible about the content of his radio show?

  • How does censorship play a role in his attitude toward the army and the conflict itself?

Movie Details

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