
One Day
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Book-based drama is too heavy for younger teens.

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One Day
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Based on 1 parent review
Good Movie but too much sex and swearing
What's the Story?
Emma Morley (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgess) meet during a university graduation celebration on St. Swithin's Day -- July 15, 1988. Though they nearly sleep together, they ultimately don't, instead spending the night talking and forming the foundation of a curious and evolving friendship. Over the next two decades, they forge their separate paths -- Dexter as a too-hip TV presenter, Emma first as a reluctant restaurant waitress/manager and, later, a teacher and writer. They date others and even fall in love, but through it all their friendship endures, sometimes under the most vexing circumstances. Will they ever realize they're meant for each other? Are they? And if they do, what happens next?
Is It Any Good?
Unlike David Nicholls' book, this movie adaptation isn't a romance for the ages, sadly. Following in the footsteps of a beloved book is always challenging; how to infuse the cinematic version with the nuance and vision it deserves? The once-a-year check-in that gives the novel structure hampers the momentum here, and the chemistry between Hathaway and Sturgess comes and goes -- a crucial flaw in a movie like this.
That's not to say that One Day is a failure; it has enough charm and commitment to power it through. The dialogue, written by Nicholls, feels authentic and is often funny, and the actors are eager to inhabit their characters. And then there's the story -- it's still compelling, relatable, and moving (clunky surprise ending notwithstanding).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Dex and Em's friendship. Is it believable? Relatable? Are they equals? Is it important for people in a close friendship to have an equal stake in their relationship?
What messages does the movie send about love? Do you think love is worth more when you have to work hard to achieve it?
How does the movie depict Dex's drinking? Are the consequences of his behavior realistic?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 19, 2011
- On DVD or streaming: November 29, 2011
- Cast: Anne Hathaway , Jim Sturgess , Patricia Clarkson
- Director: Lone Scherfig
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Focus Features
- Genre: Romance
- Run time: 107 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: sexual content, partial nudity, language, some violence and substance abuse
- Last updated: October 16, 2023
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