Common Sense Media Review
Influential coming-of-age sex comedy has mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
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The Graduate
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say the film features mature themes, such as sexual content and awkward humor, while also exploring existential angst and the confusion of young adulthood. Many viewers appreciate the brilliant performance of the lead actor and the captivating visuals, but some find the content inappropriate for younger audiences, suggesting a higher age rating is warranted.
- mature themes
- outstanding performance
- awkward humor
- existential angst
- potential inappropriateness
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE GRADUATE, after Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) leaves college, he's disinterested in everything, career-related or not. A family friend, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), propositions him with an offer of casual sex. The affair seems to bring Benjamin a certain level of contentment. Soon Ben finds problems with their relationship and develops an interest in the Robinsons' daughter, Elaine (Katherine Ross), much to Mrs. Robinson's disapproval.
Is It Any Good?
This intriguing comedy was influential in that the plot seems to build toward an energetic climax, but the actual closing moments are listless, providing little closure. This way of leaving a film open-ended and unsettled, above all else, influenced many of the cinematic treasures of the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period that most look back on as golden days of motion-picture history.
Much has been said about the success and aftershocks of the release of The Graduate in 1967. Certainly its deadpan humor and the main character's palpable sense of unease resonated with audience members steeped in the rising counterculture movement. It stands as a document of an era. The lush soundtrack by Simon and Garfunkel underscores a pervasive melancholy while also giving certain quiet moments an astounding serenity -- a marriage of pop music and film that influenced many later films.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how well The Graduate has aged. Does Benjamin's lack of direction upon graduating seem applicable today, or is it more reflective of the state of youth in the '60s?
Parents definitely will want to address Ben's complicated relationship with Mrs. Robinson. Does she seem genuinely interested in Benjamin? If not, what might her motives be in seducing him?
Why does Elaine seem to gain appeal for Benjamin when Mrs. Robinson forbids him to see her?
Would you consider this movie to be a classic? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 22, 1967
- On DVD or streaming : December 7, 1999
- Cast : Anne Bancroft , Dustin Hoffman , Katharine Ross
- Director : Mike Nichols
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 9, 2022
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