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When Harry Met Sally Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    76

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    What makes it special, apart from the Ephron screenplay, is the chemistry between Crystal and Ryan.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    USA Today Mike Clark

    As a successful careerist who tries purging his neuroses in a coin-operated batting cage, Crystal is funny enough to keep Ryan from all-out stealing the film. She, though, is smashing in an eye-opening performance, another tribute to Reiner's flair with actors. [12 July 1989, Life, p.1D]

  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Tribune Dave Kehr

    From his long experience in television, [Reiner] has learned how to create characters with just enough depth to hold together but not so much that they become too individualized, too stubbornly complex. [12 July 1989, Tempo, p.1]

  • 88

    out of 100

    ReelViews James Berardinelli

    Together, Crystal and Ryan really click. Even though their characters are polar opposites (or perhaps because of it), their interaction has a charm and warmth that most motion picture pairings lack.

    Read Full Review

  • See all When Harry Met Sally reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 15+

Wit- and charm-filled romantic comedy classic.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this movie, while set against the background of a strong friendship and filled with great romantic role models, contains many references to sex. Though no sex is actually shown, about a quarter of conversation revolves almost completely around the topic. The most famous scene in the movie is a simulated orgasm at a New York deli.

  • Families can talk about friendships and how people can change over time, premarital sex, and the role sex plays in adult relationships, both marriage and otherwise.
  • Is Harry correct in his theory that men and women can't be friends?
  • How realistic is the outcome of their relationship?

The good stuff
  • message true-1

    Messages: The short vignettes highlight long-lasting, loving relationships. May create unrealistic romantic expectations for teens, though.

  • rolemodels true2

    Role models: Harry and Sally have their individual quirks about love, relationships and dating, but they are essentially good people.

What to watch for
  • sex false3

    Sex: No sex depicted, but many references to sex and a simulated orgasm.

  • language false3

    Language: A few choice words including "f--k."

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© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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