Iffy for 17+
Movie about sex toy invention isn't all that graphic.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Hysteria is a comedy-romance set in the 1880s that deals with the invention of the vibrator. Although the movie (akin to The Full Monty) manages to coyly avoid actually saying anything vulgar or showing any nudity, it has very strong suggestions of sexuality, as male doctors provide orgasms for female patients in an attempt to treat "hysteria." The doctors touch and massage the women behind a discreet screen, while they remain otherwise clothed. There's a bit of violence (male debt collectors beat up an old lady in one scene), and some social and comical drinking. Even though the movie isn't graphic, teens should be mature enough to understand something about sexuality before viewing.
- Families can talk about Hysteria's sexuality. At one point a character says something about women "taking back their bodies." Is that what happens? What do women/characters actually learn about sexuality here?
- By acknowledging sexuality in women of all different ages and shapes, does the movie make a positive statement about body type?
- Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
The good stuff
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Messages: It's possible to see a message about women's liberation or women's sexuality, but Hysteria's arc is mostly focused on very traditional Hollywood things: men getting ahead in the world, getting rich, and finding romance. That said, most characters do learn that they can choose their own path in life.
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Role models: Charlotte is a positive role model except for the way she aggressively fights with her wealthy father. She's fully dedicated to helping others and runs a hospital in a poor part of town; she's unable to pay the bills, but is also unwilling to give up. The main character actually seems rather selfish compared to her.
What to watch for
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Violence: Debt collectors beat up an old woman, and a young woman punches a cop in the face. Viewers see images of a primitive hospital, with leeches, blood, and festering wounds. There's general arguing and a reference to splitting someone's head with an axe.
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Sex: Hysteria is all about female sexuality, but it's very coy about actually showing any nudity or directly saying anything vulgar. Even so, women -- diagnosed with the vague condition "hysteria" -- visit the doctor to have orgasms, and the male doctors (working under a discreet screen), masturbate and massage them to achieve this. Otherwise, they remain clothed. The dialogue during these scenes is almost exclusively made up of discreet innuendo. Additionally, a former prostitute propositions the hero, but using only innuendo and gestures. The most physical thing shown, aside from a romantic kiss, are two ducks having sex in a pond. During the end credits, there are photos of vibrators throughout history.
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Language: Since the movie is set in 1880, language is limited to historical slang/swearing such as "stiff prick," "bugger," and "bloody hell."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A supporting character is said to be a drunk, but he's rarely actually seen drinking. Otherwise, characters drink socially (whisky, rum, champagne, and port), and there's discussion of doctors and the pills they prescribe.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Fantastic! by hquest_98
I have not seen a film like this in a long time. It had all the elements of a good movie, in my opinion - great acting, directing, editing, producing, writing, etc. I thought it was done in a very classical way in that the movie was not all about the visual effects, but more about the characterization and storyline. This movie, however, is not for children. Definitely, this movie is for adults only. Also, if you must bring your boyfriend or husband, please warn him that this is a movie designed for entertaining women!
5
A Fun Movie by Nosofsky
Everything you could possibly want in a movie is in this one, writing, acting, funny, etc.
It is definatlty for a muture audience.
MUST SEE THIS!
5
Hysterically terrific movie by rjl24
Well worth the time and price of a ticket. A great date movie. Entertaining, and makes you think. And it is about entrepreneurs also! But the story line is in itself heartwarming and charming. A MUST GO film.
4
This is the softest porn film you will ever see but those who should see it won't by ekvegas
This is the softest porn film you will ever see but those embroiled in the war on women, who should see this movie, will once again miss the message that, that if we keep control over our own thoughts and bodies, then we are able to make our lives, and our sister's lives a better place. Really is that so scary?
3
A FILM ADDRESSING FEMALE FRUSTRATIONS AND ITS ICONIC CURE! by Peneflix
Hysteria, a derivative of the Greek word "hystera" meaning uterus, a malady uniquely female; symptoms included fainting, nervous disorders, erratic behavior, in essence a euphemism for sexual frustration.
"Hysteria" addresses the ageless epidemic, and its cure, focusing on women in late nineteenth -century, Victorian England.
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Creativity comes in a variety of genres; inventiveness should be lauded. "Hysteria" is not a great film but courageous in tackling the taboo of sexual inadequacies; appetites, no longer unrequited. "Hysteria" is a reminder of the debt owed to Dr. William Gilbert (1600 English physician) , Benjamin Franklin, Mortimer Granville whose research in electricity continues to "vibrate" throughout history.
TWO & 1/2 STARS!!
For Now.....Peneflix
for full review please visit peneflix.com
4
hysteria by michelle_remmers
This movie really surprised me I didn't know Doctors were allowed to do that to women back then. It had a good story and was funny.
3
Unlike the basis of the film, this leaves you wanting. by Reel Reviewer
Terribly average is the best way to describe "Hysteria." It came highly recommended as an interesting backdrop to a romantic comedy, yet I feel it failed on almost every endeavor. Few jokes landed, I didn't really care for any of the characters and the history of the vibrator wasn't enough to carry an entire film. I cared so little about this film that I was more just finishing it to finish it than because I wanted to know where it went; I knew where it would go and what would come of it. I love a good RomCom and this just isn't one. As for learning about the origin of woman's best friend, I'd search the internet.
4
Lots Of Laughs by raggedyann6
Great movie to go see with girlfriends. The theater we saw it in had only one man in the audience brave soul that he was. All of the audience laughed out loud, yes parts were silly but I thought it was a very funny movie. Get a bunch of girlfriends and go see this, a must.
4
Hysteria by scatteredsun409
It was very well done - actors/actresses were great - cute and funny with a little romance!
5
History of a Less Prudish Time by SpiritMatter
Our society has always been obsessed with sexual behavior.....not their own often dysfunctional behavior but the sexual behavior of others. Our society has become schizophrenic with a few hedonists on one side abusing sex to the delight of the establishment puritans on the other side who use the hedonists as an example to the majority in the middle to argue that sex is evil and celibacy should be the highest goal. Of course like the Pharisees of the Christ's day they needlessly guilt trip the people while many of them hypocritically secretly engage in all sorts of abusive and perverted sex in a double standard lifestyle, one puritanically public and one usually hidden unless like Clinton, Tiger Woods etc. they get outted. This movie hearkens to a time when sexual behavior and women's orgasms were seen as a natural God designed pleasure and healthy behavior that could be freely enjoyed with or without your partner.