Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Positive messages but strong language in uplifting comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Unconditional Love
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, Grace (Kathy Bates) is recovering from the shock of her husband, Max (Dan Aykroyd), leaving her after 25 years when her music idol, Victor Fox (Jonathan Pryce), dies unexpectedly. With little to lose, she packs up and heads to England for his funeral, and there befriends Victor's secret boyfriend, Dirk (Rupert Everett). The two decide to seek out the "Crossbow Killer" and avenge his death, and team up with Grace's outspoken daughter-in-law, Maudey (Meredith Eaton), in the process.
Is It Any Good?
From the director of Muriel's Wedding and My Best Friend's Wedding, this comedy drama is a warm and uplifting movie that's been overlooked since its 2002 release. Bates is in top form as the likable but undervalued character at the center of Unconditional Love. She goes from sad, lonely housewife desperate for fantasy escape to someone who's open to adventure and understands her own worth. Everett is equally easy to root for as the secret boyfriend of a famous singer, whose self-worth is gradually diminished by the singer's intolerant family and being forced to keep their relationship secret. One of the most enjoyable characters, though, is Maudey. Eaton plays her as full of life and confidence, as quick to laugh as she is to bite back, but also loving and loyal to her mother-in-law, Grace. Her dwarfism is acknowledged but never defines her character, and viewers will likely want to check her out in her other roles in Boston Legal, NCIS, and Law & Order. Then there's Julie Andrews, who makes an extended cameo that involves random bursts of song at inappropriate times—plane turbulence, a funeral—and plays herself with a spritely energy and a knowing wink. The plot itself is fairly standard fare, and the film probably isn't going to make any "Top" lists, but it's the likable characters and general warmth they present that make this an entertaining and rewarding watch nonetheless.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the positive messages in Unconditional Love. What did the movie say about being yourself, knowing your worth, and accepting others as they are? What did it say about the concept of unconditional love?
At the center of the plot is a gay relationship. How was it portrayed? What reasons were given for the two men to keep it secret? How did others react to their love? Why do you think it's important to see underrepresented groups on-screen?
In what ways did characters show courage, teamwork, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Discuss the language in the film. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 2, 2003
- Cast : Kathy Bates , Rupert Everett , Jonathan Pryce , Meredith Eaton
- Director : P.J. Hogan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : New Line Cinema
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 124 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements, sexual content, brief strong language and some violence
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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