Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspirational true story features many mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Noble
What's the Story?
Christina NOBLE grew up in Ireland in the 1950s. Her mother died when she was very young, and her family was broken up by the courts when her alcoholic father was unable to cope. But that wasn't the end of tragedy and hardship for Christina. Through all the difficulties of her teen and young adult years, she was haunted by the war in Vietnam and felt called to go there one day to help out. After the children were grown, she finally got her chance and arrived in Ho Chi Minh City in 1989. There she immediately felt a connection to the hundreds of children she saw living on the streets and became determined to find a way to help them. But to do that she first had to battle government bureaucracy, the indifference of the wealthy, the child sex trade, and plenty of people who resented a foreigner's interference. What she manages to accomplish against all that and more is nothing short of amazing.
Is It Any Good?
This is an inspirational story of an amazing woman who has overcome a great deal and made the world a better place. The supporting cast is strong, and the story remains compelling and advances nicely even as it moves back and forth in time. Minor weaknesses include an uneven performance from Deirdre O'Kane as Christina in the '80s -- she sometimes seems not quite fully engaged with her character -- and a few scenes that become a little too preachy and blunt getting their message across. Noble ends on a very uplifting note, and families with mature teens will enjoy watching and talking together about Christina, her life, and what we can learn from her.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about things that test your faith, in religion, in society, in your friends and family. What did you think about Christina's relationship with her god in Noble, especially the way she prayed? To whom, or to what, do you turn when things get tough?
Gerry says some people don't want to donate because it's a small drop in the bucket. What does that mean? What makes helping people or giving to charity worthwhile? Does what you give have to make a huge difference?
What do you admire about Christina Noble? What can you do to be more like her?
How do the characters in Noble demonstrate empathy and perseverance? What about integrity and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 8, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : June 15, 2016
- Cast : Deirdre O'Kane , Brendan Coyle , Liam Cunningham
- Director : Stephen Bradley
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Destiny Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Mature thematic material, including some violent and sexual situations
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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