Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tender comedy illustrates Jewish life in wartime New York.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Radio Days
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
RADIO DAYS takes a nostalgic look back on the golden age of the radio, told from the perspective of an unseen man called Joe (voiced by Woody Allen), who reflects on his youth in New York during World War II. Each of Joe's stories are centered around the radio, delving into the lives of both the stars of the wireless as well as the listeners, and how it helped bring families together.
Is It Any Good?
This 1987 comedy is one of Allen's less publicized movies, but carries the distinctive charm and wit that illuminates his work. Radio Days is unlike many of his other films, in that rather than have a linear, more conventional narrative, it's a series of short accounts, tied together by a nostalgic affection for the wireless. In other hands, this narrative approach could feel flimsy, but Allen brings it altogether, making for a unique and creative picture. It carries such a strong identity throughout, despite the fact it's a real ensemble piece -- a callback to the collections of short stories that Allen used to publish. Allen relies on many of his regular collaborators to help bring these stories to life. From Mia Farrow to Diane Keaton, among others, viewers will be constantly pointing at the screen saying "oh I know them!" Audiences don't have a great deal of time to truly get to know each character. Yet these fleeting encounters remain touching and helped along by the film's score -- a mix of crooning and soft music of the era -- Radio Days generates a warm and gentle mood.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the representation of Jewish life and culture within Radio Days. Did you think it was a positive portrayal? Did you learn anything new? Why representation matters in kids' media?
Discuss the 1930s and '40s setting? What were some of the differences to today?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Discuss some of the violence in the movie. How did it make you feel? Did the fact that some of it happened off camera lessen the impact? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Woody Allen has faced serious accusations in his private life. Is it possible to separate the real-life person from the media they make? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 30, 1987
- On DVD or streaming : November 6, 2001
- Cast : Woody Allen , Mia Farrow , Julie Kavner
- Director : Woody Allen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Orion Pictures , MGM Home Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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