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Parents' Guide to

The Graduate

By David Gurney, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Influential coming-of-age sex comedy has mature themes.

Movie PG 1967 105 minutes
The Graduate Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 16+

Based on 14 parent reviews

James313
James313 Adult
April 15, 2021
age 16+

Classical Film: Best Viewed Age 16+

The cinematography and acting are first class, as is the production quality (especially for the 1960's). There is a fine score (Simon and Garfunkel). This is a coming of age story with a finely layered plot and unconventional twists. There is a positive message about persistence and "finding oneself," but these themes are better reserved for older teens and young adults (16+). Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft are at their finest.
3hinkles
3hinkles Parent
November 18, 2019
age 17+

Mature themes appropriate for college kids or adults

The age range is too low on this. It has very mature sexual content and situations that is not appropriate for minors. The storyline is targeted for college kids and adults reliving their college years, not for teens at all. There is lots of drinking, sexual content and situations that are morally ambiguous. I cannot believe it's on the list for Best Teen Movies.
See all 14 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (14 ):
Kids say (20 ):

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

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