Simon Birch

Movie review by Susan Avery, Common Sense Media
Simon Birch Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Tearjerker is touching but too intense for younger kids.

PG 1998 114 minutes
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 6 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Stands out for .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that the lead character, Simon Birch, is a dwarf who is the subject of continuous intolerance and ridicule by adults, children, and the local religious leader. The film depicts the 12-year-old boy as a child who is wise beyond his years and believes that God has made him small for a higher purpose. Simon's best friend, Joe, was born out of wedlock and is also an outcast in the community. Language includes words like "s--t" and "bastard," and there are references to an adolescent girl's breasts. An accidental death at the hands of Simon leads Joe on a search of his biological father. There's a bus accident where children are in peril, and a main character dies saving everyone. The movie is based on John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany, and fans of the book should know that the movie is very different.

Community Reviews

Setheroni
Setheroni Adult
July 8, 2019
age 12+

Great Heartwarming Teen Movie. Maybe Too Intense For Younger Viewers

The movie has language including: “a--holes” “s--t” “bulls--t” “bastard” and use of middle finger. The main character is small, and is often bullied and treated differently. He also suffers from child neglect from his parents. There are sexual references including a convo that consists of a woman getting pregnant with a man she just met. Adolescent boys talk about girls breasts. One scene includes a boob grab. A school bus try’s not to hit a deer in the road, which leads to it sinking in a lake (the bus is filled with kids). A few character die from different problems. Lots of smoking (mainly because the setting is the 60s). Overall, it is a good movie, but maybe too intense for viewers under 12.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Friday night movie night
Friday night movie night Adult
January 4, 2019
age 14+

Good message but best for older kids

This movie has a good message but definitely best for teens and up. There is a lot of bad language (s--t, bastard, a--hole, god damn), several references to testicles shrinking in cold water, comments about tween girl’s breasts and they’re the focus of a somewhat long scene (simon stares at them and then grabs them which it doesn’t actually show but is obvious and discussed after) and a comment that believing in God is bulls--t like believing in Santa and the Easter Bunny. My 10 and 11 year old liked it but I would not recommend it for their age range.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Simon Birch (Ian Michael Smith) is a happy 12-year-old boy, despite the fact that his parents pay no attention to him because they're disgusted by his dwarfism. His best friend, Joe Wenteworth (Joseph Mazzello), was born out of wedlock, and the boys bond over being outcasts in the community. Simon believes he's an instrument of God and is awaiting his higher purpose, while Joe grapples with accepting his mother's new boyfriend. The movie is based on John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany, and fans of the book should know that the movie is very different.

Is It Any Good?

This is an excellent film that depicts the power of friendship and forgiveness, embracing diversity, and discovering true parental love. Simon and Joe are best friends who deal with and overcome life's cruelest moments. Joe's mother and her boyfriend are completely accepting of Simon's dwarfism and, subsequently, Simon spends a lot of time at their home, especially since his own parents don't care about him. When Simon accidentally kills Joe's mother, Joe learns to forgive his friend. Joe goes on a quest to find his biological father and learns what it takes to earn the title of Dad. Adoptive families in particular will be heartened by his surprise conclusion. Simon also comes to the rescue when he discovers that his size has its benefits.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the movie portrays children with physical challenges and the reactions of the physically-abled community. What does your own religion and culture tell you about those with physical disabilities and those with higher callings?

  • Discuss child neglect, the death of a parent, and how guardianship works. What message does the movie send about the difference between a biological parent and an adoptive parent?

Movie Details

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