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Parents' Guide to

Rachel Getting Married

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Intense, insightful family drama celebrates love.

Movie R 2008 111 minutes
Rachel Getting Married Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 4 parent reviews

fanofdenial
fanofdenial Adult
January 21, 2016
age 16+

Patience is a virtue

Rachel Getting Married may be too slow moving for some viewers, but for those who are willing to sit and watch the deliberate plot movement and character development, it is worth the wait. With strong language and a brief sex scene, as well as a high level of emotional intensity, it is not a kid-friendly movie. But mature teens and adults who enjoy a good drama and well thought out movie will enjoy this. Perhaps the reasons that may off-put viewers who want immediate gratification are exactly what set Rachel Getting Married apart. The director and the actors seem to allow the characters and plot to unfold at their leisure, lingering on details that would normally be swept under the rug but that make the movie so much more of a study of real life, something that seems to be becoming a lost art in the film world.
thanners
thanners Adult
June 3, 2009
age 16+

Ugh - overly pretentious saga...save yourself!

Overly pretentious movie that leaves you little sympathy for the lead character. If you enjoy a whiney, self absorbed on-again off-again drug addict, then this is your cup of tea. Craving total attention she tries to ruin sisters wedding, crashes father's car and demands to be treated like an adult.
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

As the title proclaims, Rachel (Rosemarie DeWitt) is getting married. In the works is a joyful, multicultural wedding -- she's a WASP, her fiance is African American, the theme is Indian -- that promises to embrace everyone into the fold, even Rachel's wayward sister, Kym (Anne Hathaway). On furlough from yet another stint in rehab, Kym's determined to keep it together. But it's not easy, especially when you're confronted by a well-meaning father (Bill Irwin) who hovers and shields the enormous pain he obviously feels, a distant mother (Debra Winger) who's determined to move on even if it means leaving you behind, and a sister who can't quite mask her rage even on the happiest of days. And then there's the past: The consequences of a family tragedy that happened while Kym was high are still omnipresent.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (3 ):

RACHEL GETTING MARRIED is stunningly moving, though there will be viewers who will be frustrated by its pace. It takes its time to blossom, dwelling on moments that many other, lesser films would have skipped (the dishwasher contest, the musical interludes). But in making that artistic decision, director Jonathan Demme manages to get us so invested in his characters that it feels like whatever's happening onscreen is happening to us, and we're unquestionably moved. Long after the credits roll, we'll still be thinking about it.

Kudos belongs to so many: To Hathaway, for reminding us once more -- after Brokeback Mountain -- of her deep well of talent (her big eyes and nearly too-gaunt face serve her well in such a haunting -- and haunted -- role). To the rest of the ensemble for turning in such fine-tuned performances, neither overplaying nor underacting. To the masterful Demme, who allowed the script to breathe. And to screenwriter Jenny Lumet (daughter of acclaimed director Sidney Lumet). One of the things that makes a screenwriter great is the ability to tell the truth, which Lumet does beautifully. If only every wedding ceremony was as unorthodox, as stirring as this one.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the movie's messages. What does it say about the power of forgiveness, especially of forgiving yourself? How is the movie similar to, and different from, others that deal with addiction? Is it a realistic portrayal? Does that make it easier or harder to watch? Are there typical clichés and pitfalls that this movie manages to avoid? Which ones, and how? Families can also discuss why Kym acts the way she does when she comes home. Why does she seem so uncomfortable? How does her family react to her? Why?

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