Parents' Guide to

The Quiet Man

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Old-fashioned charmer for the family.

Movie NR 1952 129 minutes
The Quiet Man Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 11+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 9+

Learn from the past

A wonderful classic. Be prepared to discuss with your kids about how it was acceptable back then to abuse and mistreat a woman because there are several scenes where MaryKate is being abused and mistreated. It is a wonderful film to show kids how not to physically treat a woman. Much like watching a slavery movie, or holocaust movie, with kids, I feel there must be discussion about how history teaches us to do better.

This title has:

Educational value
age 13+

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (4):

Some critics have claimed that this is an anti-feminist movie, but that is a very superficial perspective. The furniture and money are important to Mary Kate because she wants to enter the relationship as an equal. She believes that without them she will be to Sean what she was in Will's house, just someone to do the work. She says, "Until I've got my dowry safe about me, I'm no married woman. I'm the servant I've always been, without anything of my own!" But it is just as important to Sean to let her know that what he cares about is his love for her, and that alone is enough to make her an equal partner.

Sean also has to conquer his fear of fighting, which requires him to open up emotionally. As "Trouper Thorn," a professional boxer in the U.S., he accidentally killed an opponent in the ring. This left him afraid to let go. In fights with Will and Mary Kate he learns that he can let go physically and emotionally and strengthen his relationships.

Movie Details

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