Le Divorce – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Le Divorce

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2003

28%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A Paris-set divorce drama that's as dull as it is depressing—critics and audiences agree this one's a skip.

35%

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Le Divorce

movie

PG-13, 2003

28%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A Paris-set divorce drama that's as dull as it is depressing—critics and audiences agree this one's a skip.

35%

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: Le Divorce is a miss. The ratings tell the story—35% critic score, 26% audience score, a dismal 4.9 on IMDb. This is a slow-moving, emotionally heavy drama about adultery and divorce set in Paris that sounds more interesting than it actually is.

The film does attempt to explore the consequences of impulsive romantic decisions through a moral lens, which could be discussion-worthy. But the execution is so lackluster that most viewers will tune out before any meaningful conversations can happen. It's dated, it's dull, and it's decidedly not for kids.

If you're looking for a thoughtful exploration of marriage, divorce, and cultural differences, there are dozens of better films. This one's a hard pass unless you're a completist for early-2000s relationship dramas that nobody liked.

Age Fit

This is strictly for older teens (16+) and adults, and honestly, even then it's a tough sell. The subject matter is mature—infidelity, divorce, emotional fallout—and the film's poor reception suggests it's neither entertaining nor particularly insightful. Adults interested in relationship dramas might find something here, but there are far better options.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Centers on infidelity, divorce, and the emotional wreckage that follows when a woman decides she no longer loves her husband. The film explores adult relationship dysfunction and 'following your heart' leading to painful consequences. While it includes a moral worldview that critiques impulsive romantic choices, the core subject matter is emotionally heavy and models relationship breakdown rather than healthy conflict resolution.

Imaginative

Set in Paris with a cross-cultural lens examining American-French perspectives on romance and marriage. The film attempts some creative exploration of moral vs. romantic worldviews, but ultimately it's a fairly conventional domestic drama without much visual flair or narrative innovation. The Parisian setting offers some cultural texture, but the execution is pedestrian.

Safe

MovieGuide rates it '-2 Extreme caution for older teenagers and adults' and Common Sense Media suggests 16+. While the review doesn't flag explicit violence, sex, or nudity, the themes of adultery, marital dissolution, and emotional betrayal are mature and potentially distressing. No shocking content that would blindside viewers, but the subject matter is decidedly adult and emotionally intense.

Enriching

Offers some exploration of consequences for impulsive decisions and the clash between romantic idealism and moral responsibility. Could spark conversations about commitment, marriage, and cultural differences. However, the poor critical reception (35% RT critics, 26% audience, 4.9 IMDb, 2.4 Letterboxd) suggests the film fails to deliver meaningful insights or compelling storytelling. It's more tedious than thought-provoking.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Explores the real consequences of impulsive romantic decisions rather than glorifying 'follow your heart' narratives
Paris setting offers some cross-cultural perspective on American vs. French attitudes toward marriage and fidelity
Could spark discussions about commitment, moral responsibility, and the ripple effects of divorce on families and social circles

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What to Watch For

Central plot revolves around adultery and marital breakdown—emotionally heavy and potentially triggering for families dealing with divorce
Dismal ratings across the board (26% audience score on RT, 4.9 on IMDb) suggest this is a slog to get through
Dated early-2000s pacing and tone that feels sluggish by modern standards
16+ minimum—this is adult relationship drama, not family viewing

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the film shows the woman's decision to leave her marriage as having painful consequences? Do you agree with that perspective?"
"How do different cultures view marriage and divorce? What did you notice about the French vs. American attitudes in the film?"
"When someone says they're 'following their heart,' what responsibilities might they be ignoring?"

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