Iffy for 16+
Affecting adult drama has mature themes, content.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this mature, darkly funny drama about an estranged family isn't kid friendly. There's cursing (including "f--k" and "s--t"), an adulterous affair, frank talk about sex and death, smoking, and prescription drug use (pills stolen from a dead person, no less). All of that said, older teens and adults may find much to admire in this thought-provoking story, which approaches a harsh subject -- the impending death of a neglectful parent -- with a gentle-but-honest touch.
- Families can talk about why so many movies are about dysfunctional families. What's the appeal of watching characters with messed-up lives and relationships? Families can also discuss what it's like to care for ailing parents. Are the siblings' choices admirable or do they make lots of mistakes?
The good stuff
-
Messages: A woman conducts a long-standing affair with a married man; a father rubs feces on a bathroom wall; adult siblings hesitate when faced with helping their estranged father -- who was emotionally abusive when they were children. Characters also lie and behave in other iffy ways (taking someone else's prescription medication, for example). But for the most part, everyone behaves as decently as they're able, especially Jon and Wendy, who take on the challenge of caring for their father despite the fact that he was no prince when they were growing up.
What to watch for
-
Violence: No real violence, but some shouting among family members and some scenes depicting neglect of children.
-
Sex: A married man sleeps with a woman who's not his wife a few times; they're shown on a bed ostensibly naked under covers, and the woman takes off her top and sits around with just her bra and pants on while talking. A few references to "hard-ons" and the genital area and other frank sex talk.
-
Language: Plenty of strong language, including "s--t," "f--k," "damn," and more.
-
Consumerism: Signage for the nursing homes, as well as snippets from an ad. Bertolt Brecht's name is bandied about, as are foundations like the Guggenheim.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults smoke cigarettes and take prescription pills owned by a deceased person (one of the lead characters filches them).
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Excellent character driven story. by Matinee Mike
The movie does not hit you over the head with sappy generalizations regarding the relationship between children caring for ailing parents. The story portrays all of the nuances surrounding compassion and duty towards a neglectful parent who finds himself without the support systems he had abandoned his kids for. How would each of us react in this situation?
5
Painful Upbeat by filmbuff60
Dealing with life issues is never convenient. The characters in this movie, wonderfully portrayed by Linney and Hoffman, reluctantly deal with their fading father and along the way find themselves. This is one of the better dark comedies I have seen in quite some time.
5
A movie full of great talent! by moonruled79
Wow! I was so impressed with the acting in this movie. Phillip Seymore Hoffman and Laura Linney are so great together as brother and sister. Hoffman is just brillant in this movie as always with his character. Also, the actor who played the father, Philip Bosco, was also great! I have a close relative who suffers from this disease and it really captured the way you feel about the situation and about what the that relative must be going though as well. It was a comedy as well as a drama with a lot of funny laugh out loud scences and alot of toughing ones as well. This is a must see for sure!
4
Dysfunctional is not detached by easyniner
A simple story becomes a good movie with excellent writing and outstanding acting. A little jewel of a flick!
3
The Savages by Jano
It was just okay, with some interesting character development of John and Wendy, but maybe a little too depressing for Valentine's Day! Also, a little "too close to home" for myself and friend accompanying me, having been through similar situations with a family member. I don't think Laura Linney's performance is worthy of an oscar up against the other nominees. Why does Philip Seymour Hoffman always have to look so slovenly? Can't they clean him up a bit?
5
One of the best movies of 2007! by lavande
What a magnificently funny, insightful, thought-provoking movie about GROWING UP (not about growing old). I laughed when I read other reviewers using words like sad, bleak, despressing to describe this incredibly well-written and well-acted movie of hope and transformation. The story was NOT about the aged father, but about two pretentious, self-absorbed, and damaged siblings who are ultimately redeemed by their unselfish response to one of life's challenges. The ending of the movie is positive, upbeat, and hopeful. Exceptional movie (if you are a grown up).
4
Just a Simple Review.... by dbuban
This movie wasn't as fun-loving as I was led to believe, but it's definitely worth going to watch. It's something of a sad, melancholy type of film, but it makes you think quite a bit and the acting is pretty damn good. I don't really watch all that many movies, but I liked this one.
4
Savages by BentonW
Good movie ... expected it to be just about what it is ... a reality type story for upper-years baby boomers who will have to deal with this subject matter at some point. They depicted it well with good humor and truth ... somewhat funny - somewhat depressing .. but meaningful!
4
hard to watch by jajacksondc
this movie was honest, but hard to watch. something we all go through or will at some point.
it wasn't easy to watch at all. but it was truthful. towards the end of the movie...laura linney's character and her reaction in the hospital is kinda what we all feel at that precise moment.
4
Savages--a slice of life by Movie Gem Seeker
Very good movie; with Hoffman and Linney, how could it not be! Just the right balance of pathos and humor and a true depiction of life as we all live it. Siblings who have never been close to their father realize that they now must meet their obligation to take care of him when he becomes disabled. And, while taking care of him they actually learn how to take better care of themselves. This is a movie that you would think would be a real downer--not so. The end offers hope and that's what life is all about.