Parents' Guide to

Mr. Turner

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Biopic of famous painter is well-acted but slow moving.

Movie R 2014 149 minutes
Mr. Turner Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 15+

Based on 3 parent reviews

age 16+

Spall and Leigh combine to make a strong biopic

Excellent work done by Mike Leigh and Timothy Spall throws himself into the role and has an incredible performance. The film takes its time, per usual with Leigh's films but you get into the world, into the mundaneness of Turner's life and Spall brings the audience with him every step of the way...it is mesmerizing.
age 15+

Arty needing patience

Higher rating given due to relationship between Mr Turner and his household servant which could be considered to take advantage of his position of authority and hence scene borders on rape. Also prostitution scene difficult for younger audience to understand in context. Film as a whole portrays his art and character very well for those interested but slow pace makes it difficult for any not interested.

This title has:

Too much sex

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (3):

Mr. Turner is a visually arresting movie that exceeds expectations when it comes to exploring and presenting the great painter's art, suffusing it with the light and energy his work is known for. However, the film confounds in its portrayal of the man. No doubt much of this has to do with Turner himself, whose complicated, difficult childhood produced a complicated, difficult man. But it also has something to do with how he's written. Spall is a delight as the crude, eccentric Turner, but he's also opaque, delighting with specificities but falling short when it comes to making the artist reachable.

This, perhaps, has to do with the story itself, which has flashes of humor and historic insight, ably shepherded by Leigh, but goes on for too long, weighing down a fascinating film about a fascinating man and leaving it wanting. Similarly to how Turner communicates, less would have been more.

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate