Mildred Pierce

Name: Mildred Pierce
Item: Mildred Pierce
Rating: 4
Author: Elka Karl

TV review by

Elka Karl, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 17+

(i)

Riveting drama with strong female lead, plus graphic sex.

HBO
Drama
2011

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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 1 review

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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 suggesting a diversity update.

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Positive Messages

Family, and the choices we make to accommodate them, emerge as the core themes of this film. Mildred is a loving mother, but her love for her daughter, Veda, also allows her to overlook some of Veda's worst traits, which comes back to haunt Mildred later in life. Hard work is celebrated through much of the film, though ultimately Mildred loses much that she's struggled to achieve.

Positive Role Models

Mildred is a single mother in dire straits who uses her smarts and talent to care for her family and find success. She's a particularly strong and well-rounded female character who always tries to do the right thing, even if it may not turn out for the best. But Mildred consistently turns a blind eye to her daughter's scheming, social climbing ways, which only exacerbates the behavior.

Violence

Mildred slaps her daughter, Veda, two times; Veda slaps her mother. Mildred spanks her daughter. When Veda is an adult, Mildred chokes her. A child dies onscreen.

Sex

Groping, full nudity, and insinuation of sexual acts, as well as graphic sex. Buttocks, breasts, and frontal female nudity are shown.

Language

Swearing includes "bastard," as well as very occasional uses of "damn" and "hell."

Consumerism

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Frequent cigarette smoking; children are given glasses of water with bits of scotch in them. Children pretend that they're drunk. A 14-year-old girl smokes in front of her mother.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that in Mildred Pierce, star Kate Winslet gives a stunning lead performance, whether she's in or out of her clothes -- and she's frequently out of them. Graphic, grinding sex, plus groping and insinuations of sex, are only a few of the reasons why this HBO miniseries is best for mature teens and adults. Perhaps even more problematic for younger viewers are the shocking death of Pierce's younger daughter and her older daughter's frequently awful behavior toward her mother.

User Reviews

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Kid, 11 years old April 2, 2011

age 13+

Great For Mature Kids

Breathtaking! This is a great show for mature tweens and up. Kids will probably have to close their eyes during the sex scenes. Some drinking and smoking.

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What's the story?

In Glendale, California, in the 1930s, MILDRED PIERCE (Kate Winslet), a "grass widow," must find a means to support herself and her two daughters after her husband leaves them for another woman. First finding work as a waitress, Mildred then turns her baking skills into a successful pie-making business and, later, a restaurant empire. Along the way, she suffers heartbreaking loss as her younger daughter dies, and she tries to connect with her self-centered, social-climbing older daughter, Veda (Evan Rachel Wood). Mildred also explores her sexuality, creates lasting friendships, and reconnects with her ex-husband. The film is based on the James M. Cain novel and bears very little resemblance to the 1945 Joan Crawford film of the same name.

Is it any good?

Told as a five-part miniseries and directed by Todd Haynes, this miniseries has a lot to like. Winslet's performance as Mildred is absolutely mesmerizing, the writing is sharp, and supporting performances by Guy Pearce as Mildred's lover, Monty Beragon, and Wood as Veda are excellent. Fans of period dramas will be thrilled with the historically accurate and sumptuous set design, as well as the frocks sported by the actresses.

The sex scenes -- while beautifully filmed -- are graphic enough to make teens blush in the presence of parents. If families do want to view Mildred Pierce together, expect lively discussions surrounding the relationship between Mildred and Veda, as well as speculation about why Veda's behavior grows progressively worse.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about role models and stereotypes. Is Mildred a positive female character? A stereotype? What characteristics define a fictional role model? Do they have to be flawless, or do flaws make them more relatable?
Talk about portrayals of sex in film. Do these scenes move the plot forward? What reason would the director or writers have for including scenes like this?
How does parents' behavior affect children's behavior. Is Mildred to blame for any of Veda's behavior? Why or why not? Do you think that if Mildred did anything differently, Veda would be a better person?