 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Artist
- Review Date: November 23, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Loving tribute to silent films has a few tense moments.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Artist -- a black-and-white homage to Hollywood's silent movies of the 1920s -- is nearly silent itself, relying on characters' gestures and expressions, the musical score, and occasional title cards to tell its story of fame, fortune, and friendship. As such, it might not appeal to many kids, but those who really love movies may be drawn in by its references, setting, and old-fashioned celebration of cinema. There are a few tense/violent scenes, including one in which a distraught character puts a gun in his own mouth and another in which a fire gets out of control. You can also expect lots of era-accurate smoking and a fair bit of drinking, including some overindulgence. But there's virtually no language or sexual content, and in the end characters learn important lessons about the value of friendship and humility.
What's the story?
In 1927 Hollywood, silent movie star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is the George Clooney of his era -- charming, handsome, and a huge box office success. Despite the fact that he's married, he's also a bit of a flirt, and when ingenue Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) catches his eye, they share a few tender (though chaste) moments. As Peppy's career gradually takes off, George finds his own wings severely clipped by the advent of talkies; it's out with the old and in with the new, and George is definitively lumped in with the "old." Though his fortunes are far from what they used to be, George tries to stay positive -- but will his pride allow him to accept help when he needs it most?
Is it any good?
THE ARTIST is a movie for people who love movies. It lovingly pays tribute to a glamorous Hollywood that no longer exists, celebrating starry-eyed girls dreaming of red carpet glory, mustachioed matinee idols, and audiences who wholeheartedly buy into the celluloid illusions that flicker in the dark. It touches on some dark themes -- the relentless nature of "progress," the risk of being marginalized by the latest technological achievement, the dangers of excessive pride -- but it's still ultimately an uplifting story about friendship, loyalty, and the power of the movies. And it definitely isn't without humor; director Michel Hazanavicius strategically (and playfully) uses the movie's few non-silent moments to elicit knowing laughs.
While the movie's two stars -- both of whom are delightful -- are French, the supporting cast is filled with faces that will be more familiar for American audiences, from John Goodman as a blustering studio executive to James Cromwell as a loyal chauffeur/valet. The score is excellent, the cinematography lovely (there's a reason directors like to film people smoking in black and white). The Artist may not appeal to kids as much as the similarly themed Singin' in the Rain, which is more upbeat and accessible overall, but for anyone who's passionate about cinema, it's a must-see.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why the filmmakers would want to make a silent movie today, when technology is so different. What's the appeal? Would the movie have been as effective if it was about silent movies but not silent itself?
Who do you think The Artist is intended to appeal to? How can you tell?
How does the fact that the movie is silent impact the way the actors behave on screen? What do you think would have been different if the movie had more dialogue?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Surprisingly entertaining - a delightful film!
Who would ever think watching a silent film would fill you with more joy and entertainment than anything else playing in theaters? Well, I was surprised to realize that "The Artist" is really the most refreshing and delightful film of 2011 that I have seen.
Because it is a silent film -- exquisitely done -- your left brain takes a much-needed rest and you are on a freedom ride with your right brain. The film is a breath of fresh air in this regard.
The story is lovely. The actors are sensational. The choreography is perfection. You'll laugh, maybe cry. You will be entertained. I love this film!
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Kid, 12 years old
December 26, 2011
AGE
Great!
Awesome! It's really something. This movie is very original! Nobody has ever made a silent movie since Mel Brook's "Silent Movie". It also has a great acting job done by Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo.
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AGE
Amazing tribute to Hollywood's golden age is, hands down, the best film of 2011! Perfectly appropriate for older kids who love film.
In this age of CGI, 3D and Technicolor landscapes galore, it's quite strange to see a black-and-white movie in a 1:33 aspect ratio (instead of 16:9 widescreen, the norm these days) that's silent with intertitles about 95% of the time. What's even more surprising is that many are calling it the best film of the year. I couldn't agree more. The Artist is simply delightful, and film fans of (almost) all ages should check this one out. The story has elements from classic films like A Star is Born, Singin' in the Rain and Citizen Kane, yet feels quite original. Between the years 1927 and 1932, a famous film actor named George Valentin gets left out in his studio's transition to "talkies," while Peppy Miller, a young starlet he made famous, gets tons of exposure by starring in them. "Out with the old, and in with the new," the studio's lead executive says, and George gets progressively more distraught, but Peppy ends up saving him from his despair. I won't tell you anything else, because all film lovers and people who are tired of derivative blockbusters need to see this film. Also, despite the PG-13 rating, it actually has very little objectionable content to speak of, and is right on the fence between PG and PG-13. The sparse list of MPAA content descriptors confirms this: a disturbing image (a brief but somewhat intense suicide attempt, but it's interrupted and not very graphic) and a rude gesture (a woman giving a man “the finger”). There's also plenty of smoking and drinking, and while the former is definitely glamourized at times (smoking scenes in black-and-white do look beautiful, after all), it's firmly placed in the 1920s time period that it's set in. The drinking is condemned, as a decision made by an inebriated character ends up putting his life in danger. Overall, though, if you love film and don't mind the fact that it's a silent movie produced in a technologically advanced age, The Artist will delight you. Plus, not only do the human actors put on amazing performances, but the film's canine star, Uggy, is also quite a riot.
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AGE
The ultimate for movie buffs!
While this film will likely be crowned the Best Picture of 2011, I don't think it's the year's best offering. On the plus side, "The Artist" is a 100% unique masterpiece that looks as if it couldv'e been made in the 1930's! Dujardin and Bejo's performances are equally inspiring, while familiar faces John Goodman & James Cromwell turn in fine supporting roles. Expect to see "The Artist" with many Oscars come late February!
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Kid, 12 years old
February 7, 2012
AGE
The Artist, painted my life with understanding and fascination!!!
The Artist is a must see!!! So creative and keeps you at the edge of your seat!! In my opinion, its safe just make sure your kids under stand those days with the drinking, also with going deaf (crazy), suicidal thoughts (in the begging its hard but its a movie in a movie). It may seem rough from what I typed but its not bad. Completey enjoy the night get out and watch this movie that one a few golden globes!!!
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AGE
Such a good movie! the PG-13 is kind of tame.
My rating: PG [borderline with PG-13] for some violent images, smoking and a brief crude reference.
Violence: 2.5/5 - A non-graphic electrocution scene; a man attempts suicide in a fire and with a gun.
Drugs: 3/5 - Smoking.
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AGE
!!!!!
This is such a great, wondrous movie! And they pulled it off with no sound or color! Come on, this deserves 5 stars! A 6-yr-old I know looooooooooooooved it. And she usually can't sit through a movie with sound or color. Everyone should see it in my opinion.
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AGE
Great family movie for those who will enjoy it.
This is a fabulous film, I absolutely loved it! It's a great homage to silent films that was perfectly done1 The acting was fabulous and the overall message was happy, but it did have its more tense and sad parts. I must say, there are only a select few teens that will actually enjoy this film, so make sure your teen is mature and will truly appreciate this film before taking them!
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Kid, 11 years old
February 16, 2012
AGE
WATCH!!!!!!!!!!! WATCH!!!!!!! WATCH!!!!!!!!!!
THIS IS THE BEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME
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Kid, 11 years old
February 3, 2012
AGE
Black and White Film Entertains
This black and white film entertains. It should not have been rated PG-13, it should have been rated a high PG. There is a lot of smoking, but that shouldn't be a problem for kids. There are some mildly intense scenes including an attempted suicide, but that also shouldn't be a problem. There was a woman pointing the finger in the beginning of the film, but kids will most likely not notice that. It has mild positive messages and role models. This will attract the Academy and I am almost certain that this will win Best Picture. In my opinion, this is not my favorite film of 2011 (Hugo and War Horse are), but it's definitely in my Top 5. Don't underestimate black and white!
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| Studio: | Weinstein Co. |
| Director: | Michel Hazanavicius |
| Cast: | Berenice Bejo, Jean Dujardin, John Goodman |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 100 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 23, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | a disturbing image and a crude gesture |
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