Parents' Guide to

The Case Against 8

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Compelling documentary on legal fight for same-sex marriage.

Movie NR 2014 112 minutes
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This film makes a very thorny issue very approachable at a level that teens and even some older tweens should be able to grasp, humanizing a debate that may seem remote to some viewers. It's one of the rare films that manages to be simultaneously important, entertaining, and educational.

Proposition 8 was a significant ballot initiative, in part because it led to vehement opposition that ended up with a Supreme Court ruling that opened to door to same-sex marriage around the country. The Case Against 8 is an up-close, step-by-step examination of a complicated case; it allows viewers to follow the legalities and strategies used to put forward the plaintiffs' overall message: that marriage equality should be about love. The film shows what daily life is like for a gay couple and how they've been affected by being unable to marry. It also reveals how being at the center of a lengthy, high-profile lawsuit can upend your home.

Movie Details

  • In theaters: June 6, 2014
  • On DVD or streaming: January 6, 2015
  • Directors: Ben Cotner, Ryan White
  • Studio: HBO
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Topics: History
  • Run time: 112 minutes
  • MPAA rating: NR
  • Last updated: February 25, 2023

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