Is there anything 'inappropriate' for a younger kid?

Not really. It's a TV-PG documentary. You'll see clips from his movies that might have some 1970s-style violence or romance, but nothing shocking. The biggest 'danger' is them falling asleep.

Will my kid recognize him?

Unless they've seen Captain America: The Winter Soldier (where he plays Alexander Pierce), probably not. This doc is a good way to show them why that 'old guy' was actually a huge deal.

It covers his political commitments, specifically environmentalism and his critique of institutional power. It's handled as part of his biography rather than a lecture, but his leanings are very clear.

Robert Redford: The Golden Look – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Robert Redford: The Golden Look

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A deep dive into the man behind the Sundance kid—part film history, part environmentalist manifesto, and a tribute to Hollywood's most principled jawline.

93%

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Robert Redford: The Golden Look

movie

NR, 2019

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A deep dive into the man behind the Sundance kid—part film history, part environmentalist manifesto, and a tribute to Hollywood's most principled jawline.

93%

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93%

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Screenwise Verdict

This isn't a family movie night pick; it's a 'Sunday afternoon for film buffs' watch. If your teen is into filmmaking or environmental activism, Redford is the blueprint. He’s the guy who proved you could be a massive star and still have a soul, which is a message that actually holds up.

That said, let’s be real: most kids today only know Redford as the guy from the Captain America movies. This doc is a slow burn. It's respectful, intelligent, and safe, but it won't compete with anything on a TikTok feed for attention.

Age Fit

Best for teens (13+) who have an actual interest in cinema or history. Younger kids will find it incredibly dry, as it lacks the high-energy editing of modern documentaries.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The documentary highlights Redford's lifelong commitment to integrity, environmentalism, and independent art, modeling a career built on principles rather than just fame.

Imaginative

As a standard biographical documentary, it's more reflective than imaginative. It explores the creative process of filmmaking but doesn't invite the viewer into a new world.

Safe

Very safe, though it includes clips from Redford's filmography which may contain smoking, mild language, or mature romantic themes typical of 1970s cinema.

Enriching

Excellent primer on American film history and the importance of using a platform for environmental and social advocacy.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Integrity as a brand shows how Redford consistently chose difficult, political roles over easy blockbuster paychecks.
Environmentalism focus details his work long before it was a trendy celebrity cause, offering a look at genuine, long-term activism.
Film history 101 for kids interested in how the 'New Hollywood' of the 70s changed the industry forever.
Sundance origin story explains how one man basically willed the independent film movement into existence.

⚠

What to Watch For

The documentary features snippets of Redford's older films, which include standard 70s-era depictions of smoking and drinking.
It's a talking-head documentary with archival footage; younger kids will find the pacing extremely slow and likely tune out within ten minutes.

Conversation Starters

"Redford used his fame to protect the environment. If you were famous, what's the one cause you'd want everyone to know about?"
"Why do you think he started a film festival for 'independent' movies instead of just staying in big Hollywood studios?"
"The film mentions he often played characters who were 'loners.' Why do you think that type of character is so popular in American movies?"

Deep Dive

The Original Independent

Robert Redford: The Golden Look is a French-produced documentary that attempts to deconstruct the 'Golden Boy' myth that followed Redford for decades. It’s less about gossip and more about the friction between his movie-star looks and his radical-for-the-time political beliefs. For a parent, this is a great 'stealth' educational tool about the 1970s—a decade where cinema actually tried to tackle institutional abuse and political corruption.

Why Sundance Matters

The film spends significant time on the founding of the Sundance Institute. This is the most 'enriching' part of the doc for a modern kid. In an era of algorithmic content and massive franchises, seeing how Redford built a space specifically for weird, small, and diverse voices is a powerful counter-narrative. It frames creativity as a form of resistance.

The Boredom Factor

We have to be honest: this is a TV movie documentary. It uses traditional archival footage and interviews. If your kid isn't already a fan of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or All the President's Men, they might find this about as exciting as a history lecture. But for the kid who wants to be a director or an activist, it’s a solid 90 minutes of mentorship from a distance.

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