Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Oscar-winner has smoking, drinking, war-themed violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Mrs. Miniver
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In MRS. MINIVER, loving middle-class family the Minivers live just outside of London, in the United Kingdom, grateful for what they have and luxuriating in a few extravagances here and there. When it's announced their country is at war, their quiet existence is torn apart, sending father Clem (Walter Pidgeon) to the beaches of Dunkirk, son Vin (Richard Ney) into the Air Force, and leaving Mrs. Miniver (Greer Garson) and her new daughter-in-law Carol (Teresa Wright) to endure their own hardships back home.
Is It Any Good?
Winning six Oscars -- including Best Picture -- and nominated for six more, this heartfelt war drama made quite the impact on its 1942 release. Mrs. Miniver owes a lot to the central performance by Garson, who balances upstanding middle-class mother with a playful spirit and steadfast ability to survive, making the central character likable but also surprisingly relatable for modern audiences. There's also a feminist glimmer in the knowing raise of an eyebrow that Wright aims in the direction of her on-screen beau, Vin, as he spouts self-important philosophies about the very feudal system at the core of his own privilege. The patriotism is strong, for sure. Songs like "Onward Christian Soldiers" and "Land of Hope and Glory" feature memorably, while the only German character is little more than an icy stereotype. But there's enough heart and spirit to make this an enduring classic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the central family in Mrs. Miniver experience World War II. How did it change day-to-day life for each of them? What did the children appear to understand of the war? How to talk with kids about violence, crime, and war.
How did the film portray its female characters? Mrs. Miniver, Carol, and Carol's grandmother, Lady Beldon, were all quite strong individuals. How did this compare to how women were represented in other movies of the era?
Characters showed empathy and courage. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times in your life when you've shown either of these?
How was drinking and smoking depicted in the film? Were they glamorized? Do you think our behavior when it comes to drinking and smoking has changed from when the movie was set and filmed?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 4, 1942
- On DVD or streaming : March 6, 2001
- Cast : Greer Garson , Walter Pidgeon , Teresa Wright , Richard Ney
- Director : William Wyler
- Studio : MGM
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy
- Run time : 134 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Academy Award
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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