Poster for The First Beautiful Thing

The First Beautiful Thing (2010) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The film tells the story of the Michelucci family, from the nineteen-seventies to the present day: the central character is the stunningly beautiful Anna, the lively, frivolous and sometimes embarrassing mother of Bruno and Valeria. Everything begins in the Summer of 1971, at the annual Summer beauty pageant held at Livorno’s most popular bathing establishment. Anna is unexpectedly crowned “Most Beautiful Mother”, unwittingly stirring the violent jealousy of her husband. From then on, chaos strikes the family and for Anna, Bruno and… Sign up for the full guide

Rated e 12 • 2010 • 2h 2m

7.2
400+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
14+

The First Beautiful Thing is a poignant Italian drama spanning three decades that explores the complicated relationship between a flamboyant mother, Anna, and her son, Bruno. As an adult, Bruno returns home to care for his dying mother, reflecting on their past and the unconventional nature of her personality. Parents should be aware of mature themes involving terminal illness, infidelity, and brief glimpses of sexual activity. While… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Valerio Mastandrea
Valerio Mastandrea
Micaela Ramazzotti
Micaela Ramazzotti
Stefania Sandrelli
Stefania Sandrelli
Claudia Pandolfi
Claudia Pandolfi
Marco Messeri
Marco Messeri
Fabrizia Sacchi
Fabrizia Sacchi
AF
Aurora Frasca
GB
Giacomo Bibbiani
GB
Giulia Burgalassi
FR
Francesco Rapalino
Sergio Albelli
Sergio Albelli
Isabella Cecchi
Isabella Cecchi
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Is The First Beautiful Thing appropriate for kids?

The First Beautiful Thing is a poignant Italian drama spanning three decades that explores the complicated relationship between a flamboyant mother, Anna, and her son, Bruno. As an adult, Bruno returns home to care for his dying mother, reflecting on their past and the… Read more — free account

Content severity in The First Beautiful Thing

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Mild 1/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in The First Beautiful Thing, moment by moment

  1. 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
  2. 0:42 💬 Language 2/10
  3. 0:58 🍷 Substances 2/10
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Sex and nudity in The First Beautiful Thing

The film contains a brief scene where two characters are seen having sex; the encounter is witnessed by a child from behind a door. It is infrequent and not graphic, but notable for its impact on the young observer.

Violence and gore in The First Beautiful Thing

There is no physical violence depicted on screen, though some tension exists between family members due to emotional outbursts.

Language in The First Beautiful Thing

Occasional, mild profanity is present throughout the dialogue, consistent with realistic family arguments.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The First Beautiful Thing

Characters are occasionally seen smoking, which reflects the period settings and cultural context of the characters' lives.

Mature themes in The First Beautiful Thing

The narrative centers on terminal illness, childhood abandonment, and the emotional fallout of a complex parent-child relationship. These themes provide the emotional weight of the story as Bruno grapples with his mother's final days.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The First Beautiful Thing appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The First Beautiful Thing is best for ages 14+. It's rated e 12. The First Beautiful Thing is a poignant Italian drama spanning three decades that explores the complicated relationship between a flamboyant mother, Anna, and her son, Bruno. As an adult, Bruno returns home to care for…

What age rating does The First Beautiful Thing have?

The First Beautiful Thing is officially rated e 12. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.

What is The First Beautiful Thing about?

The First Beautiful Thing is a poignant Italian drama spanning three decades that explores the complicated relationship between a flamboyant mother, Anna, and her son, Bruno. As an adult, Bruno returns home to care for his dying mother, reflecting on their past and the unconventional nature of her personality. Parents…

Is there sex or nudity in The First Beautiful Thing?

The film contains a brief scene where two characters are seen having sex; the encounter is witnessed by a child from behind a door. It is infrequent and not graphic, but notable for its impact on the young observer.

How violent is The First Beautiful Thing?

There is no physical violence depicted on screen, though some tension exists between family members due to emotional outbursts.

Is the language in The First Beautiful Thing appropriate for kids?

Occasional, mild profanity is present throughout the dialogue, consistent with realistic family arguments.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The First Beautiful Thing?

Characters are occasionally seen smoking, which reflects the period settings and cultural context of the characters' lives.

What mature themes appear in The First Beautiful Thing?

The narrative centers on terminal illness, childhood abandonment, and the emotional fallout of a complex parent-child relationship. These themes provide the emotional weight of the story as Bruno grapples with his mother's final days.

How long is The First Beautiful Thing?

The First Beautiful Thing runs 122 minutes, directed by Paolo Virzì, released in 2010.

Where can I read the full The First Beautiful Thing parent guide?

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