Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disappointing book-based fantasy-drama has heavy themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Winter's Tale
What's the Story?
This romantic drama, based on a book by Mark Helprin, skips in time from the late 1800s to present day New York City, following Peter Lake (Colin Farrell), a thief with a conscience who has angered his crime boss, the very violent Pearly Soames (Russell Crowe). Pearly, who once mentored Peter, is tired of the young man's reticence to commit violence while on the job. Little does Peter know, Pearly has other, supernatural reasons for wanting him dead. But love gets in the way when Peter meets Beverly Penn (Jessica Brown Findlay), a young woman suffering from consumption who's only got a few months to live. Larger forces are in play as Peter and Pearly approach a standoff, throwing them both into modern day New York City.
Is It Any Good?
How to spell utter disappointment: W-I-N-T-E-R-S T-A-L-E. The disappointment is so great because the film is gifted with so many wonderful actors, best of all the enchanting Brown Findlay, who proved to be a fascinating character in the British mini-series in Downton Abbey. Though she does everything in her power to bring to life her rendition of the dying Beverly here -- a great counterpoint to Crowe, who's relying on the usual tropes (scarred face, growly voice, pickled accent) to portray the ultimate villain -- it cannot save the film.
The movie is gorgeous to watch, but a mess: timelines, heavy-handed voiceover, airy dialogue that doesn't give the audience much to hold onto. (Also, corny: the bad guys are dressed in black; the good in, yes, white.) Older teens and parents may enjoy the unabashedly romantic tale, but when it's drowned in metaphysical confusion -- Peter was born in the 1800s but shows up in modern-day New York City, looking exactly the same as he was, though he's no time traveler (and this is just one of many examples) -- they're bound to give up trying to understand midway. Authentic, believable acting (except for Crowe's, which borders on the hammy), can't save this tale from icing the audience out.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the message of the movie. Is it a message from a specific time period, or does it transcend generations?
Peter is a thief, but is he a good man? How does the film answer this question?
What feels realistic in this movie and what feels more romanticized and melodramatic?
For those who have read the book upon which the movie is based, how does it compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 14, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : June 24, 2014
- Cast : Colin Farrell , Jennifer Connelly , Jessica Brown Findlay , Russell Crowe
- Director : Akiva Goldsman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 129 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and some sensuality
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
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