Common Sense Media Review
Stirring teen movie has adult themes, antisemitic bullying.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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School Ties
What's the Story?
Set in the 1950s, SCHOOL TIES centers on high school quarterback David Greene (Brendan Fraser), who's offered an amazing opportunity when he gets a scholarship to an upper-crust prep school. He makes a name for himself on the football field -- as well as plenty of new friends -- but he's forced to hide his Jewish identity to get by. Everything changes when envious classmate Charlie (Matt Damon) uncovers David's secret.
Is It Any Good?
This stirring movie has an important message about freedom of religion and fitting in, with bigotry exposed as a result of ignorance and cowardice. Fraser leads School Ties' superb cast, which also includes Damon, Chris O'Donnell, and Ben Affleck. If the movie has a weakness, it's in the recycling of some of the story elements. The movie feels similar to other prep school dramas from the same era (such as Dead Poets Society), in which the worldview of sheltered schoolboys is challenged. But to its credit, it's not a simple good vs. evil story. Characters are complex and nuanced, and the film tries to balance the antisemitic tag slapped on the prep school boys with an understanding of the tremendous pressure placed on them to become carbon copies of their parents. Although it may sympathize, the movie never excuses the boys' racist behavior.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the bigotry depicted in School Ties. Does the movie have any messages about bigoted behavior? Can you think of instances when it's questioned by the characters?
David shows integrity and strong personal values in the way he behaves. Why is integrity an important character trait? What values do you think he expresses? What values are important to you?
The movie shows the benefits and powers of privilege. What are some of the less positive aspects of privilege? Do you think it's a balanced representation?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 18, 1992
- On DVD or streaming : August 13, 2001
- Cast : Brendan Fraser , Chris O'Donnell , Matt Damon
- Director : Robert Mandel
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( College & Graduate School , High School ) , Competition , Sports ( Football ) , Friendship , Holidays ( Hanukkah ) , Faith ( Judaism ) , Activism ( Racial justice )
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : September 7, 2025
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