OK for kids 14+
Witty but uneven period piece has mature themes.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this play-based period comedy might not seem to be standard fare for teens at first glance, but its two leads -- Jessica Biel of 7th Heaven and Prince Caspian's Ben Barnes -- may be a draw. The film tackles some mature themes, mainly regarding marriage and in-law relationships, and has a little swearing. Not surprisingly for a period film, the characters do smoke a lot -- nearly incessantly, actually. There's also drinking and some (though not much) partial nudity.
- Families can talk about the movie's messages about marriage and relationships. Are any of the relationships the kind you'd want to have? Do you think the characters take their marriages seriously? Families can also discuss the dynamics of introducing someone new to the fold. Why did John’s mother and Larita take an instant dislike to each other? Why does John tolerate or even seemingly enjoy it? What about John’s sisters? Were their actions understandable or unforgivable?
The good stuff
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Messages: A young woman means well, as does her new husband, but somehow they fail to support each other. A mother-in-law is very judgmental and doesn’t seem to be aware of how terrible she can be. A father (who suffers from post-WWI depression/malaise) seems unconcerned about his son’s fate. A young woman and her mother-in-law clash and, after some attempts to get along, dig in their heels for a long fight.
What to watch for
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Violence: Some yelling, and a dog is accidentally killed. There's also some talk of euthanasia and a fox-hunting scene.
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Sex: A married man undresses his wife, though all the audience sees is a far-off reflection in a mirror. Much moaning ensues. An unhappily married man embarks on a scandalous affair.
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Language: Lots of witty, scathing repartee and a rare use of “bitch.â€
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Drinking in social situations, sometimes straight out of the bottle, and endless smoking (accurate for the 1920s era).
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Easy Virtue by Danland
by Declan Lyman
Easy Virtue is a rip roaring "I'm back" from director Stephan Elliott, the mad genius behind "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert". After taking a nine year hiatus from directing after a near fatal skiing accident, Mr Elliott dives head first into Noel Coward and the result is pure cinematic eye and ear candy, and a must see for any true lovers of cinema. And just when you think you've figured out where the film is going...slap...it takes a completely different turn. The cast is perfection, with Kristin Scott Thomas and Colin Firth as standouts. Even Jessica Biel manages to shine (for once) in a role that she had to prove to the director that she could handle it. She has, like Mr Elliott, more than succeeded. Run to see Easy Virtue, you'll be dancing on a cloud all the way home after seeing this dream movie.
4
Easy Virtue by Maldini
If you like Noel Coward, you will love this movie -- extremely well acted and photographed. But if you like Noel Coward, you will not even be botherede with reading reviews.
And if you are neutral about Noel, you will still like it, particularly if you can enjoy stories about dysfunctional, but funny, old English families with big estates.
And the music is great.
4
You people! by Vectrexer
How can this movie not be rated highly. Sure, it's a remake (like some many others). However, you'll find a film with excellent camera work, funny and engaging script.
The only fault I found in Easy Virtue is the fact it took so long to make it to American shores. Similar to Bend It Like Beckham, Easy Virtue is already out as a DVD in the UK. Don't let fact dissuade you from going to the theater and you'll be rewarded with a movie filled with sarcastic humor in the way only the British can succeed.
I give Easy Virtue a "Go" rating. But it is really closer to 4 1/2 stars if Fandango were to let me.
4
easy virtues by gangleader
well done, enjoyable. 3 stars