OK for kids 13+
Memorable, sometimes gritty drama about music, friendship.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this stirring drama about friendship and the beauty of music depicts mental illness in a realistic light, neither overdramatizing nor underemphasizing it. Scenes that take place in L.A.'s gritty areas include some skirmishes and shots of drug use, and a dead body is found. The authentic feel of those scenes (which feature real-life Skid Row regulars) could be upsetting for sensitive viewers. But aside from that and some harsh language (including sparing use of "f--k"), the movie is age appropriate for teens -- there's no sex or blatant product placement.
- Families can talk about what the film is trying to say. Why do you think the filmmaker lingered on the gritty Skid Row scenes? Is it to shock or to educate? Were you aware of the massive homeless problem L.A. faces?
- How is this movie different from many other films set in L.A.?
- Familiescan also discuss Steve and Nathaniel’s relationship. At what point dothey become friends, and why?
- The movie is based on a true story -- howaccurate do you think it is? Why might filmmakers decide to change somedetails in making a movie?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie has an inspiring message about friendship -- two men from very different walks of life become very close friends despite mental illness, professional pressures, and difficulties beyond the realm of daily life. The movie depicts mental illness in a realistic light and goesn't shy away from L.A.'s grittier side.
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Role models: The main characters are certainly flawed, but they value each other and their friendship. Steve goes out of his way to help Nathaniel.
What to watch for
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Violence: A character suffering from schizoprenia lashes out at a friend, beats him up, and threatens his life. The same character also bullies his sister. Skid Row denizens get in skirmishes; a woman's dead body is found, and there's blood caked on the spot.
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Sex: Some moments of tenderness -- and tension, too -- between a former couple, but no kissing or any other physical activity.
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Language: Swearing includes "s--t," "damn," "hell," "goddamn," "son of a bitch," and very limited use of "f--k."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A man (not a main character) smokes a crack pipe in public. Some discussions about addiction. Characters are shown drinking.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Feel good movie by KILLTHEBATMAN86
Please, everyone listen. As it says in the descroption: "The Soloist is a biographical drama about real-life musical prodigy Nathaniel Anthony Ayers". This is not an action movie, this is not a movie that will have great digital effects. It is a movie that portrays this man for who he really is. I saw the movie tonight at a special screening, and i enjoyed it. It goes through the whole life story about Nathaniel and his relaionship with L.A. Times reporter Steve Lopez. It is a movie that makes you feel good. I thought Foxx did a tremendous job with the role of Ayers throughout the movie. It shows you the obstacles that one has to go through to achieve a dream and be who he or she is.I suggest you go see this movie. It is a slow paced movie but it is meant to be like that since it is a "biographical drama". Good movie. It is a movie for adults, not kids since they will probably get bored and wouldnt understand what was going on.
4
Very Well Thought Out Movie by Garrett_Ross32
This movie was very deep, somewhat sad, and had a great plot. If you want to see a well-acted out movie with a great meaning then this is a movie for you. The only thing I didn't like about it was that it got a little bit too slow for me at times. This movie is very similar to The Pursuit of Happiness with Will Smith if that gives you an idea of the synopsis. Robert Downy Jr. & Jamie Foxx are a great acting duo and I liked this movie a lot, go see it.
5
The Soloist by cat1036
This was a very impressive story. The acting was Academy Award quality for Robert Downing and Jammie Fox. The music was outstanding. The scenes in L.A. of the homeless people was like looking at a Charles Dickens script. Les Miserables also.
The timing of this movie couldn't be better. Too bad the critics didn't pick up on that.
5
Very accurate portrayal of schizophrenia by hines8695
My wife works with this disability and she raved about how accurate this movie portrays this illness. I had my doubts, and am not a big fan of RDJ, but he was really good and Jamie Foxx played another great role!!
3
A Ray of Hope for the "Hopeless" by GRgenius
Initially when presented with this movie, I was not interested in seeing it. I usually like my movies to end happily, or at least as expected (sounds cliche even typing it...if it ends as expected why ever see a "new" movie?). Why the change of heart? I picked up the book at my local BAMM store (clearence, $3.97!) and began to read. I must say that thus far, as I have not finished it at this time, it is very good. It draws you in to Nathaniel's life as well as that of the reporter. You see sides of LA that are a bit hidden under the plushy exterior and bright lights. The movie does well in putting additional images to match the written words beyond what the reader imagines, but I didn't get as much of a connection to the characters in they way they were filmed and introduced. That said, it is still a touching film well worth at least one viewing.
5
Truely awe inspiring by behindthecamera
The Soloist was an extremely emotional and tear jerking story spreading the importance of friendship and trust. As an experienced critic, I have to say that this should be labeled as a Go or Must Go movie and nothing lower. It would be considered a Go for some reasons such as it was honest look at street life, however it's a little too real. The focus on Nathanial's sickness is a little troubling, and some people might get a little uncomfortable with the whispering that he's imagining. The movie can be considered a downer. But many people (including myself) feel it should be labeled a Must Go. Sure, life has it's down sides. Many people aren't lucky enough to have homes or be treated for their illnesses. The Soloist shows that friendship and purpose can be the only help those people can get. I wouldn't have the casting any other way, for Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx portrayed their roles beautifully. It is hard not to call this film anything other than spectacular.
5
The Soloist by kaynebb
Foxx and Downey each provided a superb performance. Music was well incorporated to support the emotional impact of the film.
5
the soloist by llilgagal
the soloist was a very good movie.it show the kindness,caring of someone,it also show that people dont have to give up so easy on each other.
5
the soloist---INCREDIBLE by trumpete1
if you don't "respond" to this movie, you're dead inside.
there are so many layers.
but what makes it spectacular is the two actors.....it was RIVETING. they are beyond amazing.
you walk away speechless.
then you process what you have just experienced.
AMAZING.
4
The Soloist by peeklw
Well done. Well acted. Heart moving story. Should be an Academy Award contender. Would have liked a happier ending, but life isn't always happy.