Titanic
By Sandie Angulo Chen,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Great movie, but too intense, racy for younger kids.

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Titanic
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Based on 118 parent reviews
Not prepared for multiple references to suicide
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What's the Story?
Director James Cameron frames the story of the TITANIC in the late 1990s, when a high-tech underwater mission uncovers hidden treasures from the legendary ship, including a nude drawing of a beautiful girl. A 101-year-old woman (Gloria Stuart) reveals that she's the woman in the drawing, and viewers are then immersed in the events on board the ship from her point of view. She was Rose (Kate Winslet), a lovely young woman reluctantly engaged to one of the richest men on the ship, the cool and calculating Cal (Billy Zane). Unhappy with her engagement, Rose briefly considers launching herself overboard but is saved by the witty, handsome Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio), a third-class passenger who won his Titanic ticket in a poker game. As Jack and Rose grow closer, Cal's jealousy swells, and he eventually frames Jack for stealing. When the ship hits an iceberg, everyone is thrown into a catastrophic, life-and-death situation where wealth and privilege are thrown out the window, relationships are tested, and courage is rare.
Is It Any Good?
One of the highest-grossing movies of all time, this enthralling saga achieved commercial and critical success, winning 11 Oscars out of its 14 nominations. The irresistible love story of Titanic stars two of the best actors of their generation; dazzling visual effects involve the most famous ship disaster of all time; a smug, rich villain is so easy to hate that he should be sporting an evil, twirling mustache; James Horner's score soars, coupled with Celine Dion's hokey-but-touching "My Heart Will Go On" theme; and there are fine performances by supporting actors like Kathy Bates as the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown, Frances Fisher as Rose's snobby mother, Bernard Hill (known best as King Theoden in that other epic, Lord of the Rings) as Captain Smith, Victor Garber as the Titanic architect, and, of course, Oscar-nominated Stuart as the narrator, Old Rose.
Strong central female characters are the heart of Titanic, along with a look into the differences between social classes. Fans of romance will adore the journey of the star-crossed lovers, while action fans will appreciate the suspense and tension as the ship begins to sink. This is truly a film that has something for nearly everyone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in the face of catastrophe, people's true characters were revealed by their choices. How do different people on board the Titanic react to the ship sinking? Who were the bravest? Who were the most selfish?
Has society's emphasis on class changed since the time period depicted in Titanic? What are other social considerations that divide people nowadays? How does Rose's life after the Titanic pay tribute to her brief love affair with Jack?
James Cameron is known for depicting strong, fearless female characters. If you're familiar with his other movies, compare Rose to Ripley (Aliens), Sarah Connor (The Terminator), and Neytiri, Trudy, and Grace (Avatar).
How do the characters in Titanic demonstrate compassion and humility? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 19, 1997
- On DVD or streaming: September 10, 2012
- Cast: Billy Zane, Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio
- Director: James Cameron
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: History
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Humility
- Run time: 194 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: disaster related peril and violence, nudity, sensuality and brief language
- Last updated: March 29, 2023
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