Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, low-key '80s Scottish romcom has nudity, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gregory's Girl
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Who'll be GREGORY'S GIRL? Will it be Dorothy (Dee Hepburn)? She's very pretty and a talented soccer player, and Gregory (John Gordon Sinclair) is smitten after Dorothy joins his soccer team. Or will it be Susan (Clare Grogan)? Susan's crushing on Gregory, but does he even notice her? The group of high schoolers still have a lot to figure out about life and love, but they're making their way, one awkward moment at a time.
Is It Any Good?
This quiet, quirky romantic comedy still charms decades after it was released, thanks mostly to the largely untrained cast of theater kids who bring fresh believability to their roles. A sleeper hit when it was released in the United States in 1982, Gregory's Girl brings a timeless quality to the universal awkwardness and confusion of the teen years that everyone can relate to or remember. The wry script gets most of its humor from low-key, goofy moments that director Bill Forsyth gives plenty of room to play out. The scenes with Gregory getting advice from his younger sister are especially sweet, and the way the group of high school girls help Gregory's date with Dorothy turn out the way it should is a refreshing change from so much mean-girl competitiveness in typical teen movies.
The Scottish accents may be a little difficult to follow at first, but you can always turn on the subtitles and turn them back off once you get the hang of them. There aren't a lot of areas of concern, but bare breasts and frequent talk about love and romance make it best for teens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sex in Gregory's Girl. Is it realistic? Is it glorified? How much is OK in movies, games, books, etc.?
Does your school have coed sports teams? Are they a good idea, or is it better for the genders to play separately? Why? What are the pros and cons?
Did you like Gregory? What are his character strengths and weaknesses? Is he easy to relate to?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 26, 1982
- On DVD or streaming : November 6, 2001
- Cast : John Gordon Sinclair , Dee Hepburn , Clare Grogan
- Director : Bill Forsyth
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Company
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School )
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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