Keep the Aspidistra Flying – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Keep the Aspidistra Flying

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1997

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A 1997 Orwell adaptation about a struggling poet that's more sleeping aid than compelling drama for modern audiences.

69%

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Keep the Aspidistra Flying

movie

PG, 1997

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A 1997 Orwell adaptation about a struggling poet that's more sleeping aid than compelling drama for modern audiences.

69%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a 1997 adaptation of a George Orwell novel about a struggling poet in 1930s London. If that sentence made you yawn, trust your instincts.

There's legitimate literary merit here—Orwell knew how to explore themes of integrity, capitalism, and compromise. But the execution is classic late-90s British period drama: slow, talky, and visually uninspiring. The 6.3 IMDb rating and mediocre audience scores aren't accidents.

For the rare teen who loves classic literature and doesn't mind glacial pacing, this could spark interesting conversations about art versus commerce. For literally everyone else, this will feel like homework. Even adults who appreciate Orwell would probably rather just read the book.

It's not unsafe or problematic—just deeply, profoundly boring by 2025 standards. Available free on multiple platforms, which tells you something about demand.

Age Fit

Best for teens 14+ who are already into classic literature or don't mind slow-paced period dramas. Realistically, most modern teens will find this boring, and younger kids will be completely uninterested.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Based on George Orwell's novel, this film explores themes of artistic integrity versus commercial success with a generally mature, thoughtful tone. The relationship dynamics appear emotionally complex but grounded. However, the protagonist's stubborn idealism and resulting poverty could model questionable decision-making, and period British dramas of this era often include class tensions and some emotional heaviness that may not feel particularly uplifting.

Imaginative

Literary adaptation dealing with poetry, artistic ambition, and the tension between creativity and commerce offers some intellectual interest. However, it's a fairly straightforward period drama without particularly innovative storytelling or visual flair. The premise of a struggling poet is classic but not especially fresh, and 1997 British period pieces tend toward conventional execution. Letterboxd's 3.3/5 and mixed audience scores suggest it doesn't particularly inspire or captivate.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 12+, suggesting some mature themes but nothing shocking. Period British dramas typically avoid graphic content. The story involves poverty and relationship struggles, possibly including pregnancy concerns (common in Orwell's novel), but likely handled with restraint given the era and source material. No indications of violence, gore, or explicit content, though romantic/adult themes are present.

Enriching

Orwell's source material offers legitimate literary merit and explores meaningful questions about art, integrity, capitalism, and compromise. The film could spark discussions about values, career choices, and what matters in life. However, mixed critical reception (69% RT critics, 60% audience, 6.3 IMDb) suggests the execution may not fully realize this potential. The protagonist's journey involves learning hard lessons about idealism versus reality, which has educational value.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Based on George Orwell's novel, so there's actual literary substance underneath the period costumes
Explores genuinely interesting questions about artistic integrity versus selling out—still relevant today
Could work for teens who are into classic literature or British period pieces (all three of them)
Mature themes about career choices and values handled with restraint rather than melodrama

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What to Watch For

This is a 1997 British period drama, which means it moves at the speed of molasses and feels incredibly dated
Themes of poverty, relationship strain, and likely pregnancy concerns make this squarely teen/adult territory
The protagonist is intentionally frustrating—his stubborn idealism drives the conflict, which could be annoying to watch
Honestly, the 6.3 IMDb and 60% audience scores tell you this isn't exactly a hidden gem

Conversation Starters

"Gordon quits his stable job to pursue poetry—do you think following your passion is always worth it, or are there times when being practical matters more?"
"The movie is about someone who thinks making money from art makes you a sellout. What do you think about that?"
"If you had to choose between a career you loved that paid nothing and one you tolerated that was comfortable, which would you pick?"

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