Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 13+
Classic based on the Pulitzer prize-winning play.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that kids will be exposed to the prevailing overt prejudices of the early 1960s, against both minorities and women. Walter, the main character drinks in despair. Also, kids might have a hard time warming up to the stark black and white cinematography, the dialogue-heavy scenes left mostly intact from the play, and the single set, the families' apartment. However, this is one of the earliest movies to feature an all-African American cast and it addresses themes that remain relevant today, including the struggles of minorities (and in some part women, too) to attain the "great American dream."
- Families can talk about why the movie was shot in black and white. Color films were fairly common by the early 1960s, so why do you think this director chose black and white film? What does it add to the movie? Are you less distracted by the characters dress or their surroundings? Do you think it emphasizes the "blackness" of the African-American characters and the "whiteness" of their Caucasian neighbors? Does it create more tension?
The good stuff
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Positive messages: Although they love each other, the family fights ferociously. Walter longs for a better life for himself, but even surrounded by three strong women, he is still the man of the family; he has final say in all decisions and believes women want little out of life for themselves.
What to watch for
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Violence: A slap in the face.
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Sex: Not an issue
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Language: Walter asks asks why college boys wear " those faggoty white shoes."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Walter drinks.