Iffy for 16+
Well-acted drama about sexual politics won't grab teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Albert Nobbs is a drama about a 19th-century woman (Glenn Close) who's forced to dress as a man to keep a job. It's a sad story about sexual politics, and there's some violence, notably a fight in which a fatal blow is delivered. Viewers will also see a little blood and some dead bodies, due to an outbreak of typhoid fever. Sexuality is an issue; topless women are shown, and sex is suggested. Language is sparse but includes "f--k" and the Irish equivalent, "fecking." The characters work in a hotel where drinking is prevalent, especially at dinner or parties. One character is a humorously depicted drunk who wakes up to painful hangovers. It's unlikely that kids will want to see this despite Close's excellent performance, but if they're interested, some older teens might be ready for the content.
- Families can talk about the movie's sexual politics. Why weren't women capable of working during the time in which the movie takes place? How did such thinking come about? Have we moved away from that thinking today?
- How does the movie portray sex and relationships? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values on these subjects.
- What has "Albert" sacrificed in order to work as a man? What has s/he gained?
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The good stuff
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Messages: The movie takes place in a time when there were few opportunities for single women, so the main character has lived her life as a man in order to work. She's brave and resourceful, but she has also sacrificed much to live this way. In a way, her lifestyle underlines the sexual intolerance of the times.
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Role models: The main character is brave in some ways; she has chosen a dangerous path to survive. But she also lives a lie and has sacrificed much of her own life to survive. Because of her station in life, she's often kind to others.
What to watch for
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Violence: A character receives a fatal blow to the head during a violent fight, and blood is shown. Some general arguing and hitting. A character has a gruesome-looking black eye. Verbal stories of violence and rape, though nothing is shown. People get sick and die from typhoid fever.
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Sex: Two women's breasts are shown. Oral sex is suggested. Couples are seen lying in bed and kissing. A girl is pregnant. Also partial male nudity, kissing, and innuendo.
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Language: "F--k" is used once, and its Irish equivalent, "fecking," is heard at least twice. Other words include "bloody hell," "oh my God" (as an exclamation), "bastard," and "bitch."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The main character works at a waiter at a fancy hotel, where customers often drink with dinner or at parties. The house doctor drinks to excess and is shown to have a hangover. A young man takes a huge swig from an expensive bottle of whisky. Extras are seen smoking cigarettes, and the main character dreams of opening a tobacco shop (though she doesn't smoke).
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Albert Nobbs by henryanne
The film was very sensitive, thought provoking and gripping. Very adult subject matter but extremely well done with outstanding acting, setting and cinamatography.
An extraordinary film!
4
Albert Nobbs by superracer
Not a movie for everyone. If you enjoy superb acting, with little bit of humor, some drama sprinkled in, some periods of sadness and good character studies in a period piece, you will thoroughly enjoy this movie. I predict that this movie will become a study piece for all Actors' Studio participants.
I can not remember in recent times having seen on the screen or on the stage anything like this production and historically it must be treated in a class by itself as there is nothing previously produced that it can be compared to.
I realize that this was not an expensive film to make, but the fact that any financing for it was made available is remarkable in today's financially restrictive environment.
4
Albert Nobss timeless by hrhkurt
This movie touches you on so many different levels. Its great cinematography, gripping story and excellent acting make it one of this years best movies. Glen Close is completely beilievable as Albert. Her character is outstanding and there are several lessons to be learned in this story, from human kindness and understanding to humility. A little long at just under two hours but I never looked at my watch once.
3
Remains of the Day meets Ballad of Little Joe by allison63
This movie was incredibly predictable yet hypnotically interesting. Glen Close's dead pan performance is frustratingly void of emotion, yet that is precisely what makes it so hypnotic. You cant wait for her to break down or implode . The best actress in this film is her supporting actress( Janet McTeer ) who plays the role with all the emotion you would expect of the title character.I would recommend this movie soley on it's Oscar nomination merit , otherwise I would suggest it for rental.
3
Albert Nobbs by himj
To tell you the truth, I dont know what to think about this movie. I understood the plot, I just did not understand who Albert was? The actors were excellent.
5
Brillant Performances, Unique Story - Redeems 2011's Bad Year of Movies by stitcherymart
This movie is filled with brillant performances and Glenn Close and Janet McTeer deserved their Oscar nominations. It is just sad that Close had to come up against Meryl Streep in the Iron Lady (since as we know, Meryl wins everything....). Streep's performance was good, but Close's was better. If you love Indie films and are dying to find more movies with new and unique story lines and great performances, this is a movie to see.
4
Albert Nobbs by tamikenyon
I really liked the film. I thought Glen Close was terrific! I loved the costumes and the period sets used in the movie. Great story line. Moving, funny, heartbreaking, poignant scenes!
My only negative comment would be that during much of the film,(especially during quiet and poignant scenes) we had to hear the overbearing, loud, thumping action noise from the Theater box next door to ours. I tried putting my hand over the ear that was closest to that adjoining wall, but to no avail) Management should have planned the arrangement of the film showings and been mindful of the loud noise bleeding into nearby walls.
5
Good Movie with a good story. by buffetfan1102
Glenn Cloe was super. I hope she wins best actress. Good story. A movie you would enjoy. Although I thought her identity would be more of conversation in the movie.
4
It was really good. by HairDaryl
This movie was really great, if you like period pieces (which I do). My only complaint is... it was not at all what the trailers made it seem like it was about. So much more to it than that. Then there is the ending.... it was not where I think the movie should have gone. I was hoping for the exact opposite, but you know... I can't always have my way :(
It is worth seeing and if you like period movies, you will enjoy it. Glenn Close is great, really everyone's acting was superb, Just the movie storyline will keep it from winning everything.
4
Glenn Close gives a powerful yet understated performance by theohodge
So convincing as a man Albert Nobbs looked like a man in drag when given the opportunity to dress in ladies attire. A story of survival with an eye towards improving in the slightest one's quality of life. Though the ending was bittersweet I thought it well worth the price of the ticket.