Is the bullying too intense for a sensitive 11-year-old?

It might be. It’s not just one-off name-calling; it’s a persistent, daily campaign of humiliation. If your kid is currently dealing with social friction, this might feel a little too close to home without a parent nearby to process it.

Is this basically 'The Karate Kid' but without the karate?

Sort of. It follows the 'kid meets mentor' structure, but the resolution is internal. He doesn't win a tournament; he wins the right to not be ashamed of himself. It’s much more grounded and less 'action-packed' than a typical sports underdog story.

Does the 1970s setting make it feel outdated?

It’s a period piece, so it’s intentional. It actually helps create a bit of distance from modern-day cyberbullying, allowing you to talk about the core dynamics of power and confidence without getting bogged down in the specifics of social media.

How much 'adult' content is in this PG-13 movie?

It's pretty mild. There is some teen swearing and a few scenes of kids drinking beer at a party, but it’s treated as a realistic part of the setting rather than being glorified or gratuitous.

Measure of a Man – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Measure of a Man

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018

70%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A 1970s summer job for a scary boss becomes the backdrop for a kid finally learning that standing up for yourself doesn't require a growth spurt.

52%

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Measure of a Man

movie

PG-13, 2018

70%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A 1970s summer job for a scary boss becomes the backdrop for a kid finally learning that standing up for yourself doesn't require a growth spurt.

52%

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52%

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Screenwise Verdict

Measure of a Man is a quiet, capable coming-of-age story that doesn't feel the need to shout. It is the kind of movie that works best when watched with a kid who is currently navigating the social meat-grinder of middle school, mostly because it treats their problems with actual dignity.

It isn't a masterpiece—the critics were right about it being a bit formulaic—but Donald Sutherland elevates the material significantly. If your kid liked The Way Way Back, this is a safe bet for a Friday night, even if it won't be their new favorite movie.

Age Fit

Best for middle schoolers and up. The themes of body image and social hierarchy are very relevant to 12-14 year olds, but the slow indie pace might bore younger viewers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is a grounded story about emotional growth and self-respect. While the bullying is mean, the narrative focus is on the protagonist's internal resilience and the development of a healthy work ethic.

Imaginative

The 'turning point summer' is a well-worn trope in indie cinema. It is a faithful period piece but does not break new ground in terms of visual style or narrative structure.

Safe

The primary concern is the intensity of the bullying, which can be sharp and verbal. There is some mild teen drinking and period-typical social rebellion, but nothing outside the norms for a PG-13 coming-of-age story.

Enriching

It offers a solid look at the value of a mentor and the hard work of building confidence. It is a good empathy builder for kids who feel like outsiders.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Donald Sutherland delivers a top-tier performance as the demanding, enigmatic mentor who pushes the protagonist to find his spine.
The realistic 1970s setting avoids the usual neon-and-disco clichés, focusing instead on the sweaty, quiet boredom of a rural summer.
It focuses on internal strength rather than a cinematic fight scene, showing that resilience is built through small, daily choices.

⚠

What to Watch For

The bullying is relentless and often targets the protagonist's weight; it is more about psychological wearing-down than physical violence.
Pacing is very slow, characteristic of 2010s indie films, which might be a struggle for kids used to more kinetic storytelling.
Typical teen 'summer' content includes some mild underage drinking and smoking that reflects the 1970s era.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the boss was so hard on Bobby? Was he being a bully or a teacher?"
"What is the difference between being mean and standing your ground when someone pushes you?"
"Did the 1970s look like a fun time to be a kid, or just a lot of manual labor?"
"How does Bobby's relationship with his parents change over the course of that summer?"

Deep Dive

The Summer Job as a Crucible

Based on the novel One Fat Summer by Robert Lipsyte, this film leans into the classic trope of the transformative summer job. Set in 1976, it follows Bobby Marks, a teen struggling with his weight and the local bullies who make his life a misery. The heart of the film is the relationship between Bobby and his employer, Dr. Kahn (Sutherland). It is a refreshingly unsentimental mentorship; Kahn doesn't give pep talks, he gives tasks.

What makes the film worth a watch is its refusal to give Bobby an easy win. There is no training montage that ends in him becoming a star athlete. Instead, the 'measure of a man' here is simply the ability to show up, do the work, and stop apologizing for existing.

Parents should be aware that the bullying is quite mean-spirited. It captures that specific brand of 70s cruelty that was often dismissed as 'character building.' Watching it together is a great way to talk about the difference between a tough boss and a toxic one. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but for the right kid, the payoff feels earned.

What Parents Ask

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