OK for kids 14+
Find-your-bliss film appeals but raises questions, too.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this romantic drama based on the best-selling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert examines what happens when a woman walks away from the life (and husband) she knows to travel the world in search of meaning, balance, and joy. That’s fairly heavy material for tweens, which is part of why this movie is more age-appropriate for teens and adults, who will be better able to appreciate the movie's life lessons. Expect some discussions about sex, celibacy, and relationships; a few glimpses of a naked male butt; and some swearing (including "s--t" and one "motherf---er") and drinking (including one scene in which a character gets quite drunk).
- Families can talk about the movie's messages. Who do you think it's trying to reach? What is it saying to that audience?
- Liz finds her bliss through a complete change in scenery, literally and figuratively. How realistic is this option for most people? What do you think would have happened if she hadn't been able to escape?
- What eventually persuades Liz to leave her husband? Is her struggle relatable? Believable?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie suggests that when you find yourself living a life that turns out to not be what you wanted or dreamed of, it’s time to reboot, even if that means a complete overhaul. Yes, feelings will get hurt, and the pain may last for months or even years. But the risk is worth it, the movie says, to find happiness.
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Role models: Liz is lost in the beginning of the movie. She doesn’t like the life she has, and she doesn’t know how to get the one she wants. She opts to take big risks to seek wisdom and joy, which is admirable. But there are casualties in her search for enlightenment.
What to watch for
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Violence: Not an issue
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Sex: Couples kiss tenderly. Lots of flirtation, some references to “sexy time,” and talk about a woman's need to end her self-prescribed celibacy. In one scene, a man strips down and asks the main character to go skinny dipping -- viewers see his bare backside a couple of times.
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Language: Words used include "s--t," "screw," "ass," “goddamn," "hell," "damn," "oh my God," and “bulls--," plus one “motherf---er.”
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Consumerism: Not many labels, but the book and the movie have encouraged many Eat Pray Love-inspired product tie-ins
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some social drinking at parties, bars, and restaurants. A woman gets drunk at a a party and suffers a huge hangover the morning after. Some references in casual conversation to Xanax and meth.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Love and Light by mystwalker72
I have carried around guilt and shame about my divorce for many years and have never been able to find a way to forgive myself. But a moment in this movie reached me in a way that nothing else had, and I cried silently in the theatre as I finally accepted some ugly truths about myself, forgave myself, and released the guilt and shame. I thought I was going to watch one woman's journey, but I saw a lot of my own. I know this is being called a "chick flick," but there is true depth to this film, true beauty, and wonderful lessons to be learned.
5
Eat Pray Love by cagneyaustin2
Interesting true story takes place in some of the most beautiful places. A great actress, doing what she dose best....making you interested and care about this womans journey to find herself. And oh my gosh... she must have gained some weight making this movie, the food is a character in this movie. My friends and I loved it. I am reading the book to see what the movie left out.
4
Visually Rich by rspill
We very much enjoyed the movie. The characters were believable and you are drawn into the story. Great acting, compelling story, and cultural highlights all keep your attention throughout the movie. I'll admit I'm attracted to Julia Roberts ever since "Pretty Woman," but her acting really brings this story to life.
5
For Once the Movie was Better!!! by mdmachlin
Read the book last year and I loved the "Eating in Italy", feel asleep during the "Praying in India" and was just annoyed with the author by the time she reached Bali. Thank god for Julia Roberts! She makes this movie a must-see! Better than the book. Would recommend for women 21 and up. Go with your girlfriends and let the men stay home for this one!
5
Eat Pray Love by rkemp77
The journey of a woman that will touch the audiences funny bone, darkest feelings and the tenderest moments for both men and women. Julia Roberts played the range of emotions brilliantly and believably! Richard Jenkins (Richard) , Javier Bardem (Felipe) and Habi Subiyanto (Ketut) played the type of men that both challenge and bring out the best in the human spirit. It's a long journey to sit through but one worth seeing on the big screen.
5
awesome! by mahosa34
i have to go to LTALY very soon!!! hahaha
2
OH NOOOO.... by BradPitt4me
I had a really hard time reading the book and thought the movie would be better. WRONG! Who wants to see a movie about an indulgent selfish woman? Save your money!
1
Five Word Review by svasbinder
Waste of time and money
3
Five Word Review by mpilibosian
Book Way Better Julia Annoying
3
bit disappointed by anne333
both myself and GF dosed off during the movie - very slow lots of great scenic pictures but I was looking for more since the book was so good.