Mona Lisa Smile (2003) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Katherine Watson is a recent UCLA graduate hired to teach art history at the prestigious all-female Wellesley College, in 1953. Determined to confront the outdated mores of society and the institution that embraces them, Katherine inspires her traditional students, including Betty and Joan, to challenge the lives they are expected to lead.
Rated PG-13 • 2003 • 1h 57m
Mona Lisa Smile is a period drama set in the 1950s that received its PG-13 rating for mature thematic issues and sexual content. The film follows professor Katherine Watson as she encourages her female students at Wellesley College to question their prescribed societal roles. The primary content concerns for parents involve mature discussions and situations, including marital infidelity, divorce, a professor's affairs with students… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Mona Lisa Smile appropriate for kids?
Mona Lisa Smile is a period drama set in the 1950s that received its PG-13 rating for mature thematic issues and sexual content. The film follows professor Katherine Watson as she encourages her female students at Wellesley College to question their prescribed societal roles… Read more — free account
Content severity in Mona Lisa Smile
What happens in Mona Lisa Smile, moment by moment
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:22 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
- 0:26 🍷 Substances 2/10
Sex and nudity in Mona Lisa Smile
Sexual content is present through discussions and implied situations rather than explicit visuals. One character is openly promiscuous and discusses her affairs, and a professor is known to have had affairs with students. There is one post-coital scene where a man is bare-chested and a woman is clothed, implying they just had sex. Other content includes discussions of contraception (a diaphragm is shown), marital infidelity, and general romantic kissing.
Violence and gore in Mona Lisa Smile
Violence is nearly absent. The film's conflict is almost entirely verbal and emotional. In one brief scene, a mother angrily grabs her adult daughter's arm during a heated argument. Another scene involves two women having a tense verbal confrontation.
Language in Mona Lisa Smile
Language is infrequent and generally mild. The dialogue includes a handful of mild obscenities like "hell" and "damn." There is one use of a derogatory term for a Jewish person which is presented to show a character's prejudice.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Mona Lisa Smile
Reflecting the 1950s setting, there is frequent smoking of cigarettes and social drinking of alcohol by adult characters throughout the film. These instances occur at parties, dinners, and in private settings, but are not a central focus of the plot.
Mature themes in Mona Lisa Smile
The film is driven by strong thematic material centered on feminism, societal expectations for women in the 1950s, and challenging authority. It explores mature topics including marital infidelity, the emotional fallout of a failing marriage, and divorce. A significant theme involves a professor having inappropriate affairs with students, a serious ethical breach. The film also touches on intellectual elitism, social prejudice, and the conflict between personal ambition and traditional roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mona Lisa Smile appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Mona Lisa Smile is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Mona Lisa Smile is a period drama set in the 1950s that received its PG-13 rating for mature thematic issues and sexual content. The film follows professor Katherine Watson as she encourages her female students at…
What age rating does Mona Lisa Smile have?
Mona Lisa Smile is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Mona Lisa Smile about?
Mona Lisa Smile is a period drama set in the 1950s that received its PG-13 rating for mature thematic issues and sexual content. The film follows professor Katherine Watson as she encourages her female students at Wellesley College to question their prescribed societal roles. The primary content concerns for parents…
Is there sex or nudity in Mona Lisa Smile?
Sexual content is present through discussions and implied situations rather than explicit visuals. One character is openly promiscuous and discusses her affairs, and a professor is known to have had affairs with students. There is one post-coital scene where…
How violent is Mona Lisa Smile?
Violence is nearly absent. The film's conflict is almost entirely verbal and emotional. In one brief scene, a mother angrily grabs her adult daughter's arm during a heated argument. Another scene involves two women having a tense verbal confrontation.
Is the language in Mona Lisa Smile appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and generally mild. The dialogue includes a handful of mild obscenities like "hell" and "damn." There is one use of a derogatory term for a Jewish person which is presented to show a character's prejudice.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Mona Lisa Smile?
Reflecting the 1950s setting, there is frequent smoking of cigarettes and social drinking of alcohol by adult characters throughout the film. These instances occur at parties, dinners, and in private settings, but are not a central focus of the plot.
What mature themes appear in Mona Lisa Smile?
The film is driven by strong thematic material centered on feminism, societal expectations for women in the 1950s, and challenging authority. It explores mature topics including marital infidelity, the emotional fallout of a failing marriage, and divorce. A…
How long is Mona Lisa Smile?
Mona Lisa Smile runs 117 minutes, directed by Mike Newell, released in 2003.
Where can I read the full Mona Lisa Smile parent guide?
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