Walk the Line

Movie review by Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media
Walk the Line Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

Fascinating biopic, best for mature teens and up.

PG-13 2005 136 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 14+

Based on 13 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 16 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this film includes frequent images of drug use and drunkenness, as Johnny Cash was a famously driven, unhappy man, as well as a brilliant artist. The film concerns his relationship with his wife June Carter, which involves both divorcing other spouses and tensions as she helps him fight his addictions. The film also features frequent cursing, drinking, and smoking, as well as fights between father and son. A boy is killed off-screen in a circle-saw accident. There is a brief sex scene and some adulterous behavior.

Community Reviews

Tsion
Tsion Adult
July 22, 2010
age 14+

A High-Quality Biopic...

...for adults and teens. No kids on this one, period. However, for mature audiences, WALK THE LINE is an intelligent, entertaining, and ultimately uplifting movie to watch and discuss. The movie tells of Johnny Cash, his rise to stardom, failed marriage, and romance with June Carter (Cash). Another major point in the film is Cash's addiction to drugs. He starts popping pills early on in the film and, for the remainder of the film (minus the last 15-20 minutes) you see the affects of his addiction. Cash's behavior while high and later withdrawal are portrayed quite graphically and startlingly in some parts of the movie. This is just furthered by the brilliant (and realistic) performance by Juaquin Phoenix. Cash keeps on taking the pills even after he knows their affects, and his illegal procurement of them leads to brief domestic violence with his wife (hence, the violence caution up top). However, after June convinces him to stop the drugs, the movie becomes uplifting and sends positive messages of redemption. Language consists of frequent mild language ("d**n", "h*ll", "a*s") and one use of "f**k". Cash has affairs with women on the road, but nothing is ever shown beyond clothed kissing. He and June sleep together once while he is still married, but nothing at all is shown (just them clothed under covers in the morning).

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
jorgeal95
jorgeal95 Adult
March 6, 2011
age 14+

Mature content, but good biopic

Just a regular biopic of Johnny Cash plus his wife, both now resting in peace. In some parts, this may bore the younger teens and kids. You have to pay really good attention to the movie to understand it. A lot of partying behind the stage along with in taking of drugs. Reese does wonderfully in this movie as well as Joaquin. Good movie. Worth watching, I suppose

This title has:

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 13 parent reviews

What's the Story?

WALK THE LINE tells the life story of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) as he tries to please his disparaging father Ray (Robert Patrick), and finds solace in his passions for music and June (Reese Witherspoon). June and Johnny's legendary mutual devotion helps to make his equally infamous orneriness seem worthwhile. The film begins with Johnny's childhood trauma-that-becomes-life-crushing-guilt – the death of his older brother. Johnny joins the Air Force, and buys his first guitar while stationed in Germany in 1955. While in the Air Force, Johnny sees a newsreel about Folsom Prison, feels a kinship with the inmates, and writes "Folsom Prison Blues," the song with the dicey lyrics that convinces Sam Phillips (Dallas Roberts) to sign him. Johnny falls in love with fellow country singer June, but he's married to Vivian (Ginnifer Goodwin), who resents his absence and addictions. As Johnny's fame grows, his marriage falls apart and he desperately tries to win June, who inspires him in his career and eventually agrees to marry him.

Is It Any Good?

Fascinating and well-acted, WALK THE LINE's mythologizing of Johnny Cash is never very surprising (though Phoenix's performance is frequently remarkable). Predictably showcasing high and low points, this biopic wrestles the man's contradictions and passions into a typical, palatable shape. The dead brother story begs comparison to Ray Charles', as do the two films' structural similarities.

June's dedication to Johnny is admirable and profound, She supports her man in all circumstances, even when Johnny makes it hard to love him. It makes all the difference, as the film loves their glorious duets and returns repeatedly to her moral and emotional schooling. Throughout the film, June's gaze makes Johnny seem inspired and exceptional. It's a familiar story, the good woman who stands by her man. And it's tantalizing too, suggesting that another, perhaps less typical story might be found in June's life.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether or not they feel this is an accurate portrayal of the events in Cash's life. Are there biases involved in the storytelling? Does the movie further the myth of Johnny Cash or provide new insight into his character? From whose point of view is the story told?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • Ray Poster Image

    Ray

    Excellent portrayal of extraordinary musician.

    age 15+
  • Coal Miner's Daughter Poster Image

    Coal Miner's Daughter

    Loretta Lynn's tough but heartwarming biopic.

    age 14+
  • Ring of Fire Poster Image

    Ring of Fire

    Poignant, inspiring bio pays homage to June Carter Cash.

    age 14+

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate