Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2021

78%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Rita Moreno's journey from Puerto Rico to EGOT glory—a masterclass in persistence that your teen needs to see.

7.6/10

96%

→

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It

movie

PG-13, 2021

78%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Rita Moreno's journey from Puerto Rico to EGOT glory—a masterclass in persistence that your teen needs to see.

7.6

96%

Jump to

Also rated on

7.6/10

96%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those documentaries that's genuinely worth watching—not just 'good for you' educational content, but actually compelling. Rita Moreno is a force, and her story spans decades of Hollywood history with all its ugliness and glamour.

The 96% critic score isn't inflated; this is well-made and engaging. That said, it's definitely for teens and up. The content isn't graphic, but Rita doesn't hold back about the racism, sexism, and abuse she endured. It's not trauma porn—it's her story told with dignity—but younger kids won't have the framework to process it.

For families looking to have real conversations about representation, perseverance, and what it actually costs to be a trailblazer, this is gold. For kids under 13 or anyone expecting a light biographical fluff piece, look elsewhere. This is the real deal.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ who can handle frank discussions about discrimination and exploitation. Younger kids won't have the historical context or patience for a 90-minute documentary format, even if Rita's story is objectively amazing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Documentary celebrates perseverance, resilience, and breaking barriers with an uplifting tone. Rita Moreno's story models determination and self-advocacy. However, the film does address serious topics including racism, sexism, and toxic relationships in Hollywood's golden age, which adds complexity but doesn't undermine the overall positive messaging.

Imaginative

As a biographical documentary, it's inherently less imaginative than fiction, but it does showcase creative expression through Rita's performances and career. The film invites viewers to think about identity, representation, and forging your own path in creative industries. It's more inspirational than inventive, but there's value in seeing how one woman imagined a different future for herself.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, suggesting mature themes but nothing graphic. The documentary likely discusses discrimination, difficult relationships, and Hollywood's darker side (including mentions of assault and exploitation), but as a documentary format, it handles these topics through interview and archival footage rather than dramatization. No gore, nudity, or shocking violence, but definitely addresses adult themes that require context.

Enriching

Exceptionally enriching with 96% RT critics score and 93% audience score. Offers deep insight into Hollywood history, Latinx representation, civil rights era, and what it took for a Puerto Rican woman to break through systemic barriers. Rita Moreno is an EGOT winner, and her story provides real historical context about entertainment industry evolution, identity, and perseverance. This is educational gold for discussions about representation, feminism, and cultural pride.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Rita Moreno is a living legend and EGOT winner—her story is genuinely inspiring and shows what breaking barriers actually looks like
Excellent conversation starter about representation, identity, and how far we've come (and haven't) in Hollywood
Strong female role model who refused to be typecast and fought for her dignity in an industry that tried to diminish her
High-quality documentary with stellar reviews (96% critics, 93% audience) that's actually watchable, not dry
Available on multiple platforms including Netflix, making it accessible for family viewing

⚠

What to Watch For

Discusses racism, sexism, and exploitative relationships in Hollywood—Rita doesn't sugarcoat the abuse and discrimination she faced
References to sexual assault and toxic relationships that require mature understanding and possibly parental context
Documentary format means it's interview-heavy and slower-paced—not all kids will stay engaged even if the content is age-appropriate
Some historical footage and topics may need explanation for younger teens unfamiliar with 1950s-60s cultural context

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it was like being one of the only Latina actresses in Hollywood back then? How is it different now?"
"Rita talks about being typecast—what does that mean and why do you think it bothered her so much?"
"She won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT)—which of those awards do you think was most meaningful to her and why?"
"How do you think Rita's experience as an immigrant shaped her career and the roles she was willing to take?"
"What would you have done differently if you were in her shoes when Hollywood tried to limit what she could do?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic