Common Sense Media Review
By Beth Pratt
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so Love Story for a new generation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sweet November
What's the Story?
SWEET NOVEMBER revolves around beautiful Sara (Charlize Theron), who lives by the rule of having a new boyfriend for each month of the calendar. She may seem fickle, but Sara always manages to help her current boyfriend learn an important lesson or become a better person before she moves on to the next guy. In November, she begins seeing Nelson (Keanu Reeves), a ruthless businessman. Hanging out with Sara begins to have an effect on Nelson – his sharp edges soften, and he actually finds himself falling in love. But there's a reason for Sara's approach to dating – she's extremely ill.
Is It Any Good?
For teens who haven't seen Love Story or any of the other "disease-of-the-week" movies popular in the '70s, this movie will be an intensely emotional experience. Older viewers, however, are more likely to notice the movie's implausible plot--doesn't Nelson know that bad things can happen to people who spontaneously move in with strangers? A few of the movie's scenes get a little syrupy, but some much-needed humor counters the sugar shock. And, supporting characters help lighten the somber theme.
Charlize Theron proves that she can do more than decorate the screen as someone's significant other. She's goofy and carefree one moment, solemn and vulnerable the next. On the other hand, Keanu Reeves' transformation to "sensitive guy" isn't quite believable because he conveys little emotion even when saying lines such as "November is all I know or want to know."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how death and dying are portrayed in films. Was Families who have experienced the dying and death of family member might compare that to the movie.
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 16, 2001
- On DVD or streaming : July 24, 2001
- Cast : Charlize Theron , Keanu Reeves , Lauren Graham
- Director : Pat O'Connor
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content and language
- Last updated : March 14, 2020
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