What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this haunting romantic drama based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel doesn't have any strong sexual content (kissing/embracing is as steamy as it gets), foul language, or graphic violence, but the story at its core is still quite adult. The tale of a young governess -- a role that, in the 19th century, was neither seen as a servant nor as lady of the house, which made for a difficult situation in a class-based society -- who falls in love with her mysterious employer might seem tame by today's standards, but it’s filled with complexities. The film is often somber and sometimes spooky, and some scenes depicting how wayward children were treated in those days may seem downright cruel.
- Families can talk about the relationship at the core of the story. Is Jane and Rochester's romance right or wrong? How do you think today's society would react to a similar relationship?
- What is the movie saying about how women and children were treated in the 19th century? Which characters can be considered positive role models?
- If you've read the book the movie is based on, which do you prefer? Why? If you haven't read the book, does the film make you want to?