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Parents' Guide to

Sweet November

By Beth Pratt, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

So-so Love Story for a new generation.

Movie PG-13 2001 114 minutes
Sweet November Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

wonder dove
wonder dove Adult
June 26, 2012
age 13+

Beautifully made!!

What a heartfelt movie! This is a very emotional story of a beautiful and quirky woman named Sara who has her heart set on helping men become better people, a better leader and better lover. At first I thought the concept of the story was odd but then realized how beautiful it really was. She takes on a new man with problems each month and turns their lives around - with Nelson - her November man, was difficult to help him let go of his domineering ways. A selfish business man who was completely obsessed with working, money and had no time for anyone but himself. A man that had no idea what love is really about...until he met Sara. Their relationship is fun, sweet and innocent until Nelson realizes he loves her (not knowing she has cancer) and would do absolutely anything for her. From there on, the movie is deeply saddening with a very sad yet thoughtful ending. Probably one of the greatest romance films ever. Some minor violence, some kissing (A quick off-screen sex scene which is the opening scene to the movie and one innocent love scene), two characters bathe together (no sexuality or nudity), some drinking. Perfectly alright for 13 and up I think!!
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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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

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 actors, Asian actors, Polynesian/Pacific Islander actors
  • Studio: Warner Bros.
  • Genre: Drama
  • Run time: 114 minutes
  • MPAA rating: PG-13
  • MPAA explanation: sexual content and language
  • Last updated: October 29, 2023

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