Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poignant queer musical brims with wit, adult themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
What's the Story?
In HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, a young child in East Berlin grows up to be a transgendered rock singer touring the Midwest. The story of Hedwig's (John Cameron Mitchell) early life unfolds in flashbacks. Born as Hansel (Ben Mayer-Goodman plays the young version) in East Germany, the teenager meets a handsome American serviceman (Maurice Dean Wint), who proposes that Hansel escape to the United States through marriage and sex reassignment surgery. But the operation is unsuccessfully completed (hence the remaining "angry inch"). Hedwig's new husband still moves her to Kansas but eventually leaves her in a trailer park. Here, Hedwig meets a shy teen named Tommy (Michael Pitt), whom she mentors to be a musician and eventually a rock star, all while nursing unrequited love. When Tommy makes it big, he cuts his ties to Hedwig. She goes on tour, shadowing Tommy's appearances and wielding anger, resentment, pain, and eventually hope on stage.
Is It Any Good?
What started as a cult success off Broadway translates surprisingly well on-screen -- perhaps because Mitchell, who wrote and starred as Hedwig onstage, also directs and stars here. In Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Mitchell portrays the titular character with poignancy -- someone who's both cruel and vulnerable, desperate and hopeful. The film uses illustration, flashbacks, surrealism, and music to create a unique story that's fun to watch, at times hilariously witty, and touching, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about gender identity in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. How does Hedwig express her femininity? What's the effect of seeing Hedwig without her makeup and wig later in the film?
What did you think about Hedwig's "Origin of Love" idea?
How does the film show the importance of compassion, courage, empathy, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 27, 2001
- On DVD or streaming : December 11, 2001
- Cast : John Cameron Mitchell , Michael Pitt
- Director : John Cameron Mitchell
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : adult content, graphic language, mild violence, nudity, and strong sexual content.
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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