Common Sense Media Review
Dark version of '80s film has underage sex work, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
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American Gigolo
What's the Story?
AMERICAN GIGOLO follows Julian Kaye (Jon Bernthal), who has spent 15 years of his life in prison for the murder of a client while he was working as an escort. Detective Sunday (Rosie O'Donnell) reveals that he was found wrongfully convicted, and soon Julian is free. Exonerated, he returns to modern-day Los Angeles and tries to pick up where he left off. Though he's a free man, his past still haunts him, especially through the relationships he built before he was convicted. When the detective reveals a crucial bit of information about the murder, Julian struggles between being pulled back into the industry he escaped from and taking advantage of his second chance at life.
Is It Any Good?
Though the acting performances are strong, they aren't enough to elevate this otherwise dark, dreary story beyond just OK. American Gigolo dives deep into the origin of Julian Kaye, while juggling several other side stories that convolute the narrative as a whole. The amount of sex, nudity, and language and the evident constant state of silent suffering that Julian goes through (especially as a child) might be intense for younger viewers. Fans of the original film might appreciate the grittier character study this series presents for Julian.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the justice system. In American Gigolo, Julian was convicted in 2006 and spent 15 years of his life in prison before being found innocent. How common are wrongful convictions, why do they happen, and how can we prevent them?
How does this series navigate the topic of sex work? Why do you think sex work is stigmatized?
What's the point of remaking a popular movie as a TV show? Can you think of such remakes that are better than the original?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 11, 2022
- Cast : Jon Bernthal , Rosie O'Donnell , Wayne Brady , Gretchen Mol
- Network : Showtime
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2022
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