OK for kids 13+
Gritty girl soccer drama with a powerful message.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the 15-year-old main character in this '70s-set sports drama is a strong heroine who acts out after one of her family members dies early in the film (a loss that may be upsetting for sensitive kids). She sneaks out of the house, steals her mother's car, shoplifts, and makes out with a guy she met at a bar. She also does a good deal of lying and teenage sulking until her father -- who, along with her brothers, says a lot of sexist things to her -- takes her seriously. Language includes "s--t" and "bastards," as well as some derogatory terms for lesbians. Some underage smoking, as well as a fair amount of rough soccer action (Gracie is knocked down, punched in the face, etc.).
- Families can talk about how the perception of girls playing sports has changed since the 1970s, both in real life and in the media. How are girls and women portrayed in contemporary sports movies? Kids: How do people at your school talk about girls who play sports? Are any of the stereotypes or assumptions made about the girls in this movie still in effect today?
The good stuff
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Messages: After a family tragedy, Gracie acts out, sneaking out of the house to go on dates, stealing the family car to drive to the shore and meet older boys, shoplifting, etc. There's also a lot of sexist language, including overtly diminishing Gracie's worth and her ability to play sports as well as any boys. But she's a strong heroine with a fierce resolve to achieve her goal.
What to watch for
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Violence: A main character dies in an off-screen car crash. Gracie is the object of a lot of soccer-field violence, including getting punched in the face, knocked down, tripped, and tackled.
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Sex: Gracie kisses and makes out with Kyle. She also makes out with a stranger she meets at a bar who knows she's underage.
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Language: Language includes "s--t," "hell," "bastards," damn," "dyke," and "lesbo."
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Consumerism: Gatorade is prominently featured at the beginning of the movie.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Gracie and her friends smoke cigarettes and go to bars, but they aren't shown drinking.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Motivational, Inspiring, Incredible! by harandsue
Gracie is about a girl that is bound and determined to make her dream of playing soccer come true. She accomplishes this goal through sheer determination, and by never losing sight of her dream. The movie is based on a true story, and some events are sobering, yet very realistic in both scope and performance. Our entire family felt inspired and emotionally charged by the end of the show. We highly recommend viewing this movie for anyone with young athletes in their family. We attended a prescreening of the movie in Salt Lake City. We enjoyed the movie so much that we'll probably see it again.
4
Uplifting, but not necessarily a family film by lsufan1972
I took my 2 girls (12 and 10) and my son (5) to see this movie, and I wish I wouldn't have taken the kids. It was a great movie, but there were a few scenes that aren't for the kids. Gracie goes through normal high school stuff for a kid rebelling in the time period (taking mom's car for a spin, chasing college guys, making out, etc.) It's not all that bad, but for the little ones it gets into a few areas I would prefer my kids not experience just yet.
5
AMAZING by Kelanderthal
Best movie with the truest message i've seen in a long time. Carly Schroeder truly came out and proved herself as an actress. The script, although lacking in a few areas, touched the heart and moved me in an almost strange way. I laughed, cried, cringed, and cheered...and then played some soccer after. AN AMAZING MOVIE AND A MUST SEE
5
Gracie by bdevall
I had my two grandchildren with me they are 12 year old girls. They just loved the movie and so did I. It really was a feel good movie.
4
a feel good moving by jengafur
Really enjoyed. A few bad words and an brief sex scene (well almost sex-thank God for dad) Would encourage girls to see it and know there is nothing they can't acheive....
5
Good Movie by Lbrun
This movie was about believing in yourself, but then fighting for it. The premise of this movie is a girl who wants to play on the boys soccer team because there was no team for the girls. First though she had show her dad, who had those same feelings about what girls can or can't do. Dad steps up to the plate but still has his doubts. Gracie does what she has to to realize her dream. It's a story of a family coming together to help their daughter be what she wants to be. I don't think it's just for girls. After seeing it I wanted my son to see it because his High School team is Co-ed. I also thought it is good for dads to see that they should be taking as much time with their daughters as with their sons. If you believe it, you can do it!
4
Gracie gets a thumbs up by bcbarela
I left the movie just after the make-out session in the car because of the two 11 year old boys I had with me. "Too much kissing" for them. I understand the real soccer playing got going after that. Too bad it took so long to get there. I understand the whole story came together after that and my daughter and her soccer team enjoyed it. I will think twice before taking my kids to a PG-13 movie again. It was more than I wanted them to see.
5
Gracie by BABYHONEY
Wonderful movie. Portrayed the loss in the family very true to life. I also like the interjection of how difficult it is for girls to play sports. It showed the sacrifice the family had to make to help Gracie reach her goal. The understanding ogf how death affects everyone differently. It was a good step by step portrayal of a seemingly "real" family. I would absolutely recommend it to everyone. Really young children wouldn't understand it and there is enough teenage sexual innuendo to prohibit really young children from going. I really enjoyed it.
5
Go See This by ckwatkins
It's been a long time since I saw a movie this good. I hesitated to take my thirteen year old because of the "brief sexual content" in the rating explanation. But I held my breath and I'm so glad we went. It was a terrific, inspirational story and well acted. The "bsc" was just that, very brief and very mild, but it did open the door for discussion on a sensitive subject on the way home. Go See It!! We need more movies like this. Thank you Elizabeth Shue!!!
4
Great story by Carrieinca
I liked this movie. It had a great story to it. I took my 11 yr. old daughter and we enjoyed it.