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Parents' Guide to

Indecent Proposal

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

'90s romantic drama has some explicit sex, profanity.

Movie R 1993 117 minutes
Indecent Proposal Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

Dave (Woody Harrelson) and Diana (Demi Moore) have been crazy in love since high school. They married young, each sure that nothing could ever change the way they felt about each other. But things start to fall apart when they fall on hard times. Along comes a mysterious billionaire (Robert Redford), who offers the couple $1 million to spend one night alone with Diana. Completely broke and in danger of losing their house, Dave and Diana succumb to temptation and accept the deal. But their decision changes their relationship in ways they never imagined. Is it true money can't buy love?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (2 ):

This racy romantic drama is a bit dated but still holds some appeal. It's easy to see why INDECENT PROPOSAL was a huge sensation when it was released in 1993: Demi Moore was then one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses at the top of her game, and Woody Harrelson was coming out of his long stint as the dim-witted sidekick on one of TV's most popular sitcoms, Cheers. A generous sprinkling of Robert Redford's charm, a titillating premise, and a few strong sex scenes guaranteed box office success.

But in fact it's actually a thoughtful study of a relationship, from the giddy days of young love through financial woes and emotional betrayal. The adapted screenplay has occasional lapses but takes the viewer in a surprising direction. The actors all demonstrate their charisma in spades, although none truly embodies his or her part. Teen interest may be piqued by the sexy premise, but it'll be best handled and appreciated by those mature enough to handle the strong sex scenes, to recognize Dave and Diana's immaturity, and to be entertained by a movie that asks a lot of questions about how long-term relationships can survive and, of course, about what exactly money can buy.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about sex scenes in movies. When are they gratuitous, and when do they add to the story or characters? Were the sex scenes in this movie gratuitous?

  • Is there anything you would, or would never, do for a million dollars?

  • Dave says that people stay together because they learn to forgive. Do you agree? Why does Diana need forgiveness for something they both agreed to? Does she need to forgive him for anything?

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