
Mona Lisa
By Alistair Lawrence,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Neo-noir British drama has strong language, sex, violence.

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Mona Lisa
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What's the Story?
Set in London during the 1980s, MONA LISA tells the story of recently released ex-convict George (Bob Hoskins), who gets a job as a driver for a sex worker, Simone (Cathy Tyson). With the two spending more time together, their relationship changes and they grow ever closer.
Is It Any Good?
A compelling, multiple award-winning performance from Hoskins as George, the movie's naive and occasionally thuggish protagonist, is the high point of this classic British drama. Where Mona Lisa falters slightly is its script's lack of pace and plot, which results in its story often struggling to serve the cast's impressive work of portraying 1980s London and George's descent into a criminal underworld.
Tyson too deserves enormous credit for her portrayal of Simone, a self-assured sex worker who nonetheless suffers at the hands of the men who control her world. The two leads provide fizzing chemistry, while solid supporting work from Michael Caine and Robbie Coltrane add menace and some deadpan comedic touches, respectively. So despite the occasional dragging plot, there's more than enough screen presence for this to be an enjoyable, and occasionally uncomfortable, slice-of-life movie from an often-forgotten era.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the language used in Mona Lisa. Did you find any of it particularly shocking? Do you think it would have been as shocking when the movie was first released, or has what we deem acceptable changed over the years? If so, why do you think that is?
How was sex portrayed in the movie? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Talk about the violence in the movie. How did it make you feel? What did the movie have to say about violence? Did it glorify it?
Discuss the relationship between George and Simone. How did it change over time? Did the movie have the ending that you expected? Would you describe either of them as positive role models? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 13, 1986
- On DVD or streaming: April 4, 2006
- Cast: Bob Hoskins , Cathy Tyson , Michael Caine
- Director: Neil Jordan
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Black actors
- Studio: Island Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 104 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- Last updated: July 9, 2023
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