Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thoughtful, reflective drama has strong language, nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Youth
What's the Story?
Retired composer/conductor Fred Ballinger (Michael Caine) is vacationing at a resort in the Swiss alps. His daughter, Lena (Rachel Weisz), is there, recovering from a breakup, as is his best friend, filmmaker Mick Boyle (Harvey Keitel), who's working with a team of screenwriters on what he hopes will be his masterpiece. An emissary from the queen arrives with an invitation for Ballinger to perform his most popular work, the "Simple Songs," at the palace. He initially refuses, but conversations with the folks at the resort -- including actor Jimmy Tree (Paul Dano) -- cause Ballinger to ponder the elusive nature of memory, love, and art.
Is It Any Good?
As with his Oscar-winning The Great Beauty, Italian director Paolo Sorrentino brings a gorgeous, dreamy visual style to this drama, even if it's not quite as profound as it wants to be. Sorrentino continues to channel Italian cinema history, copying Fellini again, as well as Antonioni (and the movie is also dedicated to the late Francesco Rosi). But while those directors used their own style to tackle their own themes, Sorrentino feels lost in their shadows, indirectly using tools from their kits, stuck between art and commercialism.
On the plus side, working with such a quiet, reflective atmosphere, the filmmaker allows plenty of room for the actors to explore their emotions; they all live up to the opportunity. And, with the help of cinematographer Luca Bigazzi, as well as the gorgeous Swiss locations, YOUTH conjures up many beautiful, thought-provoking images without resorting to flashy movements; it's a movie of stillness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Youth's use of sex and nudity. What purpose does sex serve in the movie? What questions arise? What mood does it create? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Why is one character hoping to do his best work, while another character refuses to work anymore? What is each hoping to achieve?
What does the movie have to say about art and the creative process? Why do people create things?
How do you feel about a quiet movie like this, where seemingly "nothing happens"?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 4, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : March 1, 2016
- Cast : Michael Caine , Harvey Keitel , Rachel Weisz , Jane Fonda
- Director : Paolo Sorrentino
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Fox Searchlight
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : graphic nudity, some sexuality, and language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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