Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mostly predictable romance has lots of drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Words and Pictures
What's the Story?
Jack (Clive Owen) is a popular high school English teacher who falls for Dina (Juliette Binoche), the new art teacher, in WORDS AND PICTURES. The set-up isn't terribly original: The two teachers initially can't understand each other because they speak different languages; Jack believes words are sacred, while Dina thinks nothing is more important than the image. As they battle to defend their positions, the two teachers become closer. But there are barriers to their romance, most notably the fact that he's a raging alcoholic, while she's struggling to deal with a serious illness.
Is It Any Good?
It's a shame to watch two very good actors -- Owen and Binoche -- stuck in a film that doesn't go anywhere. Words and Pictures isn't an awful movie, it's just not particularly exceptional or original. Its opposites-attract plot winds up as you'd expect it would; Jack and Dina turn to each other via a convoluted-though-still-predictable turn of events. The central conceit -- Jack and Dina's argument over the supremacy of either words or art, hence the movie's title -- requires a suspension of disbelief ... and a belief, in general, that the kids ostensibly enrolled in one of the best schools in the area are so bored that they'd be resuscitated by an oversimplified debate.
Though there's little chemistry when Jack and Dina are together, each actor is strong in their own right. No matter how lightweight the material (and how obvious the plot turns), both commit themselves fully to their roles. That's some comfort.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Words and Pictures' messages. How do they compare to what you've seen in other romance movies? Would you say there's ultimately a positive take-away?
How does the movie depict drinking and alcoholism? What are the consequences of Jack's habit? Do you think they're realistic?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 23, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : September 9, 2014
- Cast : Clive Owen , Juliette Binoche , Bruce Davison
- Director : Fred Schepisi
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Roadside Attractions
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual material including nude sketches, language and some mature thematic material
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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