Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Enlightening journey with Michelle Obama on her book tour.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Becoming
What's the Story?
Michelle Obama -- wife, mom, daughter, political activist, and former first lady -- has everyone's attention in BECOMING. Using the book tour Obama launched when her 2018 memoir was published as a framing device, director Nadia Hallgren takes every opportunity to give her audience an in-depth portrait of a woman cherished by most and considered an outstanding role model for women everywhere. In addition to the behind-the-scenes book tour preparations, the on-camera interviews and Q&A sessions, and personal moments shared between camera and subject, the movie includes newsreel footage, interviews with some of Obama's closest friends and team members, and photographs and family commentary. Emphasis is given to Obama's African American identity and what that means to her community. Barack Obama appears in the film, but always at her side, portrayed as an equal partner in their relationship.
Is It Any Good?
According to this entertaining, inspirational documentary, Michelle Obama is as wise, funny, compassionate, and honest as she appeared during her eight years as committed partner to the president. Nadia Hallgren's documentary emphasizes Obama's fearlessness, her clear-eyed take on contemporary issues, and her awareness of what her success means for others. Viewers who may expect political jibes or negative assessments of the opposition will be disappointed. "When they go low, we go high" is a phrase she's famous for. She strongly follows that advice in Becoming.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the intentions of documentaries: to inform, entertain, persuade, or inspire. Which category or categories best describe Becoming? Explain your answer.
What valuable character strengths (e.g., compassion, courage, integrity) would you attribute to Michelle Obama? Pick one of those traits and show why it was important. In what ways, if any, is Michelle Obama a role model?
Michelle Obama advises: "See yourself as more than a statistic. What do you care about? What brings you joy? Then OWN that." In what ways can you relate to her advice? Give an example of how that concept might work for you right now.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 6, 2020
- Cast : Michelle Obama , Phoebe Robinson , Barack Obama
- Director : Nadia Hallgren
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some thematic elements and brief language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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