OK for kids 14+
Talky, play-based political drama sheds light on history.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although kids may not be clamoring to see this talky, fairly intense political thriller, it serves as an informative introduction for teens (and adults) who want to know more about Watergate and how it brought down a sitting president. That said, the movie isn't 100 percent representative of real-life events, so more background/research may be needed. The main content of concern is a fair bit of swearing (mostly in the second half) and some heated back and forth between characters. There's also some archival footage from Vietnam, some social drinking and smoking, and a little bit of ogling/innuendo.
- Families can talk about the film's historical accuracy. Why might filmmakers bend the facts when making a movie based on real life? How could you find out more about Nixon and Watergate if you wanted to? Parents and teens can also discuss why they think Nixon agreed to the interview with Frost in the first place. What did he gain from it? Do you think media exposure/coverage generally helps or hurts politicians? Why? How would you describe the relationship between the media and political worlds?
What to watch for
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Violence: The movie's central dynamic is a verbal, not physical, joust. But some archival footage used in the film depicts men, women, and children being killed and maimed in Vietnam. Some yelling/screaming.
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Sex: Mild ogling of one female character. A man wakes up next to a woman who appears to be naked, though no sensitive body parts are seen. A man asks another if he has "fornicated."
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Language: "Hell," "damn," "bitch," and, toward the end, a number of "f--k"s.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some smoking and drinking in social situations.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
FROST/NIXON = ENTHRALLINGLY ABSORBING. GRADE: SOLID A by MOVIES REVIEWER
I just saw the advance press preview of this 122-minute movie based on the stage play that was based on events leading up to including the David Frost exclusive 70s interview with disgraced ex-President Richard Nixon.
I found the movie to be STUNNINGLY illuminating, thought-provoking, revealing, humanizing, and exceedingly EXCELLENTLY well-made by director/producer Ron Howard.
The STELLAR cast led by Frank Langella and Michael Sheen shone with great talent. AWESOME acting!!!
Initially, I thought it was going to be a boring drama or documentary - but I was mistaken in my (mis)assumption - because this movie riveted me - glued me to my seat in anticipation as the story unfolded - well-paced and well-scripted - at times suspenseful and at times comically funny/tragic.
I am SO GLAD to have seen this movie - and I urge everyone to give it a chance as it is one of the best movies of this year.
VERDICT:
HIGHLY-RECOMMENDED.
A Must-See movie.
5
Great Movie--Almost as great as the Play by DrewFromNY
Movie was great--top 5 of 2008. I was fortunate enough to see the play on Broadway and THAT was also amazing. A reliable friend said the movie was better than the play--I saw it with my wife and we loved the movie, but thought it was just below the very high standard set by the play. That said, it is a must-see: Great acting by the two leads, compelling story and excellently directed. Go see it!
5
Must See by clazaro76
The movie was very well done. It showed Nixon in a very human light, and there are definitely parallels to the current president. My favorite line was "When the president does it, it is not illegal." I have already recommended it to several friends.
4
Frost/Nixon by LynCon
This film is a must for any person interested in polotics. Sheen and Langella both have the characters down pat. Their personal and professional dueling brought back memories of the original telecast. With the recent release of Nixon tapes make him even more paranoid than the film shows. I did not remember his chief of staff but Kevin Bacon does a really great job of someone who clearly adored this president.
5
Frost/Nixon by Jnkbond
Its definitely worth seeing, well acted, and highly entertaining. Historicallly acurate with depth and detail.
4
Frost/Nixon by SSpielberg52
Ron Howard has created a great film. His character development is excellent, and he is able to generate suspense in a movie about a television interview. The acting is very good, and the portrayal of Richard Nixon is both complex and sympathetic. The scene of Nixon leaving his final interview with Frost and approaching a bystander with a small dog is memorable, capturing the tragic essence of a broken man. This film will take you to a deeper, more human understanding of Watergate and the man behind it.
5
Amazing Acting by joinerjay1951
Frost/Nixon is a must-see film, not only for the historical perspective, but the outstanding performances of Langella and Sheen. Frank Langella's portrayal of Richard Nixon is striking on several levels. While he doesn't resemble Nixon physically, he has mastered the mannerisms and speeh patterns perfectly. I have never felt any pity for Nixon, but this film comes very close to making one feel for the man. I suspect that is the quality of Langella's performance, rather than any feeling for Nixon, the person, although the film gives one a new perspective on the events and the emotions of the participants. One of the most striking and disarming moments comes in the final meeting of Frost and Nixon after the interviews have been completed; the scene is like looking into the soul of Nixon. Sheen and Bacon were equally compelling, but the film belongs to Frank Langella.
4
Frost/Nixon by chuchunezbie
I was impressed with how well the film kept me interested from beginning to end. My expectations for this were low so the outcome was very nice. I really liked how Ron Howard was able to make something as dull as an entrance to an interview so riveting and exciting. Throughout the whole length of the interview sequences, I found myself in a state of suspense (Hans Zimmer also contributes to this with his great score). Although it seems to be a strange portrayal, I saw Richard Nixon as an evil villain and David Frost as a superhero. although the film has about as much physical action as a dead bug, it is mental action packed. The entire time you wonder if David Frost will actually bring Nixon down (especially after their first interview). You learn the shifty ways of Richard Nixon and how he could take any negative subject against him and turn it into a nice little anecdote about some guy he met once at a golf course (hypothetically speaking). I was impress with how good this movie was
5
Frost/Nixon by sleeper
I lived through this time in our history and the ending was still fantastic! The lead character who played Nixon did so very cleverly with his appearance and mannerisms. The only disarming thing was his attempt to sound like Nixon at times, but even that was fine when the facial expressions reminded me exactly of Nixon.
The plot was well thought out, and presented in a way that kept me on the edge of my chair. The use of humor on a serious topic worked well in this instance. My two sons loved it as well. It is really worth seeing.
5
An amazing movie by Serious_Movie_Fan
Frank Langella as Nixon did an wonderful job. A movie worth seeing.