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Parents' Guide to

Quadrophenia

By Tom Cassidy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

British cult classic has violence, language, drugs, sex.

Movie R 1979 120 minutes
Quadrophenia Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

In QUADROPHENIA, it's the mid-1960s and troubled young Mod Jimmy (Phil Daniels) is counting down the days before a big battle with his gang's rivals, the Rockers. Before then he needs to get through work, stock up on drugs, and make the most of London's swinging nightlife, while avoiding the pressures of growing up.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

In its classic scenes, this British cult drama manages to show all the thrills, highs, and lows of teen life. In what was director Franc Roddam's debut feature, Quadrophenia shows young characters with honesty and no judgement. It is every bit as fun, occasionally ugly, and upsetting as the heady days of discovering early independence and finding a direction in life can be. Boasting a charismatic performance from Daniels and a zippy direction, like Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused, the film's characters are concerned with three things: sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll, and their pursuit of these is a fun and honest ride.

If Roddam had been left to make a movie with no strings attached, it could have been a masterpiece as well as a classic. But squatting over the whole thing is the bloated presence of rock band The Who. Released in 1979, the movie was a nostalgic period piece harking back to the mid 1960s, so the movie's rock band producers feature heavily. But other than one scene where a packed club goes wild to My Generation, these scenes just feel shoehorned in. The rest of the early 1960s soundtrack is blissful though, and despite all the violence, tears, and messy decisions, Jimmy and the gang are fun company.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in Quadrophenia. Did it feel realistic? Why were the two rival gangs figthing? What's the impact of media violence on kids?

  • Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? How did it make you feel to hear it, especially the racist and homophobic language? What did it contribute to the movie?

  • Discuss how drinking, smoking, and drug use were depicted. Were they glamorized? Did the characters need to do these things to look cool? What were the consequences?

  • How was sex portrayed in the movie? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.

  • The movie is considered by many to be a "cult classic." What makes something a "cult" hit?

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.

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