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Parents' Guide to

The Man in the Moon

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Reese Witherspoon shines in coming-of-age tale.

Movie PG-13 1991 99 minutes
The Man in the Moon Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 3 parent reviews

dvdgirl
dvdgirl Adult
January 29, 2018
age 10+

good but sad.

its a lovely film although you might cry. but lovely movie.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Gigi R.
Gigi R. Parent
March 17, 2017
age 13+

Was a Fav of mine at 13!

Great movie
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Dani Trant, at 14, is midway between being a child and being a grownup. Her family is close, loving, expanding (a fourth baby is due to arrive soon), and just making ends meet in the 1950s on a farm in rural Louisiana. When Court Foster (Jason London) returns with his recently widowed mom to the place next door, Dani falls head-over-heels in love for the first time. But after Court meets her older sister, Maureen (Emily Warfield), Dani's feelings about her sister, Court, and about herself, are painfully threatened. Succeeding events and one tragedy, profoundly test both Dani and her family.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (7 ):

Reese Witherspoon's debut performance in THE MAN IN THE MOON is an astonishing example of the right role in the right movie for the right young actress. This coming-of-age story, told with simplicity, gentleness, and a very basic faith in the power of human goodness and truth, succeeds on every level. Set in 1950, released in 1991, its message is timeless, its characters rich and nuanced. It's a familiar story made fresh and original by talented, dedicated filmmakers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how times have changed since the 1950s when this movie is set. What was important to teens then that is still important today? How does each main character show both positive and negative behavior, and how do these characters struggle between having what they want and doing the right thing? Did your feelings about Maureen change during this movie?

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