Parents' Guide to

Ode to Passion

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Ambitious musical love story falls short; language, drugs.

Movie NR 2020 128 minutes
Ode to Passion Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 16+

Based on 5 parent reviews

ElyseL
ElyseL Adult
July 15, 2020
age 14+

A must see for your teenager... A really fun way to teach them about relationships

The main character tells his love and breakup story in rhyme and some quite catchy songs... Michael falls madly in love with the wrong girl, just like so many of us experienced, they are crazy about each other.. but she is a drug user and despite both of them trying through the movie, she is not able to get on the right track and is not ready for a serious relationship.. And he is refusing to accept it.. It's a crushing breakup for him, but he eventually understands and comes to terms with it through his faith. There is also the story of the best friend who has always wanted to be a writer, but finds happiness in family life.. It's on the longer side, but the music makes it worthwhile... I think it's very engaging for a teenager or a young adult, shows you that what seems like the end of the world actually isn't, as long as you do the right thing. There are some bad words, but not excessive, no nudity

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Bellsandz
Bellsandz Adult
July 15, 2020
age 16+

Great movie to watch and discuss with your older teens!

As a parent of two teenagers,16 and 17. I found this movie to be a great discussion topic. Hormones are crazy at that age and teens need to be aware of what's right and what's wrong. Young love always thinks that their first love will be the one and that love can change anything or anyone. The pastor in the movie constantly tells Michael to be pius yet, Michael does not listen and all these desires he satisfies only lead him to a broken heart. The movie seems a bit too long and I am not a fan of the cursing but I get that it's also very realistic that people curse when angry. Also a great point of discussion with your teens.
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In ODE TO PASSION it's love at first sight when Michael Fiorelli (Giuseppe Bausillo), an emerging young writer, spots Sarah Andrews (Julia Nightingale) at a party. Besotted, Michael approaches the skeptical young woman, declaring himself in both verse and song. Sarah, an aspiring actor, isn't hesitant for long. An intense, passionate romance is ignited, but not until Sarah confides in Michael. She's doubtful that she's worthy of such adoration because of her troubled history. Undaunted, Michael is certain he can turn Sarah's life around as she has transformed his in one dazzling moment. Michael proposes that the couple move in together. They do. Pretty quickly, however, their joyful relationship is threatened by Sarah's old dependency on alcohol, drugs, and easy sex. Frightened both for her and for their relationship, he calls upon his closest friends and his parish priest to see him through the challenges with the woman loves. In simple terms, Michael won't give up on Sarah.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (5):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Earnestness and a desire to create something unique are hallmarks of this very personal musical drama; missing are subtlety, wit, and finesse. The story, song lyrics, and spoken verse are all heavy-handed and literal. Motivations are thin. Michael falls in love with a vision, invests heart and soul in that vision, but after the initial spark, the audience is never clued in to what makes Sarah lovable. She seems more ideal than real. His belief in her transformation is more a belief in his own specialness than in hers.

Still, the sweetness of Ode to Passion, despite the over-the-top emotionality, may be enough to please audiences who like star-crossed romance. Plus, it's clear that everyone involved has given all to this movie, and it shows.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about drugs and alcohol use in Ode to Passion. Does the movie make drinking/drugs look cool? How did Sarah's addiction affect her decision-making, her goals, her self control? What were the consequences of her behavior? Why is it important for kids to understand the negative outcomes of substance abuse?

  • It's often noted that a location or setting can be considered a "character" in a movie. How did New York City set the tone for Michael's and Sarah's love story? How were all the characters reflective of the city? Could it have been set (and photographed) anywhere else? Why or why not?

  • In literary (or film) tragedy, a prime element is the leading character's "tragic flaw." What does the term mean? What would you describe as Michael's "tragic flaw?" How was it crucial to the movie's plot?

Movie Details

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