Parents' Guide to

Truth

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Engrossing drama offers inside look at the news business.

Movie R 2015 121 minutes
Truth Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

doctora
doctora Parent of 6-year-old
January 29, 2023
age 15+

A film that centers dignity in your job...stellar acting portrayals.

A film that is well written and well directed. It takes quite a few expected cinematic turns, but it still feels exciting. Perhaps it's that Cate Blanchett is Blanchetting it up? Or the film being Redforded or Mossed. Or all of the above. The film attempts to offer a platform for the firing of Dan Rather and the expunging of Mary Mapes from 60 Minutes, in that it succeeds. Does the film tell the "truth"? I don't think that was ever on tenth table, but what does seem to permeate throughout the film is that reporters have dignity, which seems to be a fact that people are quick to dismiss in 2022. We shall see if Rather and Mapes are from a bygone era or if their dignity exists and will make a resurgence.
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What's the Story?

In 2004, CBS news broadcast a story produced by veteran journalist Mary Mapes (Cate Blanchett) and longtime anchor Dan Rather (Robert Redford), examining then-President George Bush's stint in the Air National Guard and how higher-ups might have helped him avoid some of his duties. Joining Mapes and Rather in putting together the story are an ex-marine (Dennis Quaid), a researcher/reporter (Topher Grace), and a college professor (Elisabeth Moss) -- all of whom are convinced they've nailed the story and are surprised when it blows up in their faces. Soon, documents meant to prove key points are called into question by bloggers and other journalists, Mapes' superiors demand answers, and Rather faces the prospect of leaving the network he's been with for decades.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

TRUTH may not be beyond reproach, but it's certainly interesting -- especially for journalism wonks. To start, it shows how the proverbial news sausage is made -- and it's a seriously instructive lesson. And it raises important questions about democracy, politics, and privilege. Central to the film is Blanchett, who delivers a powerful performance that relies on nuance and empathy. The rest of the ensemble cast goes toe-to-toe with her, including Redford, whose performance here serves as a book end to his All the President's Men classic.

That said, at times the story veers into "inside baseball" territory, which could confuse or alienate non-journalists in the audience. But that would be a shame, since Truth explores some, yes, hard truths that everyone should consider.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the news business these days and how journalists do their jobs in a 24-7 media world. What are the challenges of succeeding in an industry where people compete to break news online? What are the risks of rushing to report?

  • How does Truth tackle the subject of privacy for those in the news? When Mapes becomes the news, how is she treated?

  • The film addresses the political system and the relationship between the media and government. What role does the news play in a democratic society?

Movie Details

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