Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

The Help is one of those movies that's both important and imperfect. It tackles civil rights history with heart and strong performances, and it will absolutely spark meaningful conversations about racism, courage, and doing the right thing. The 8.1 IMDb rating isn't wrong—it's emotionally powerful and well-acted.

But here's the thing: this is a story about Black women's experiences told primarily through a white woman's journey, which is... a choice. The critique is valid and worth discussing with your kids. It's still valuable as a gateway to this period of history, but pair it with actual voices from the civil rights movement.

This isn't a movie you throw on for family movie night without prep. The racial slurs, discrimination, and some genuinely upsetting scenes require context and co-viewing. For 12-14 year olds, this is a "let's watch together and talk about it" situation. Older teens can handle more independent viewing but will benefit from discussion afterward.

Bottom line: It's a solid entry point for civil rights conversations with strong performances, but it's not perfect, and that's okay—use both the movie and its critiques as teaching moments.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-17, ideally with a parent watching along. Younger middle schoolers can handle it with context and conversation; high schoolers will get more of the nuance and critique. Adults will appreciate it too, though it's not exactly a rewatch classic.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Models courage, kindness, and cross-racial friendship during a difficult historical period. Shows empathy and standing up for what's right. However, includes racial slurs, discrimination, and emotional abuse that, while historically accurate and contextually important, can be difficult to watch. The tone is ultimately hopeful but the journey includes painful moments of cruelty and injustice.

Imaginative

58

A well-crafted period drama with strong performances, but follows a fairly conventional narrative arc. The concept of giving voice to the voiceless through storytelling is creative, but the execution is straightforward historical drama rather than particularly imaginative or visually innovative. Doesn't invite much creative exploration or building—it's a watch-and-absorb experience.

Safe

55

Common Sense Media rates it 12+, which aligns with the mature themes. Contains repeated racial slurs (n-word, used in historical context), depictions of racism and discrimination, some violence (a character is beaten), and intense emotional scenes including a traumatic bathroom incident. No nudity or sex, minimal profanity beyond the slurs. The content isn't gratuitous but it's definitely not safe for younger viewers to stumble upon—this requires preparation and context.

Enriching

78

Excellent gateway to discussing civil rights history, systemic racism, courage, and allyship. Strong character development and moral complexity. The 8.1 IMDb and 89% audience score reflect genuine emotional impact. Provides historical context and empathy-building opportunities. However, has been criticized for centering a white savior narrative when telling Black women's stories, which is an important conversation to have.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Opens the door to essential conversations about racism, courage, and standing up for what's right during the civil rights movement
Stellar performances (especially Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer) that bring emotional depth and humanity to difficult history
Shows the power of storytelling and giving voice to marginalized people, even if the execution has been critiqued
High audience ratings (89% RT, 8.1 IMDb) suggest it genuinely resonates and moves people
Can be a gateway to learning more about this period in American history and the real women who inspired the story

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What to Watch For

Racial slurs (n-word) used in historical context—prepare kids and watch together, not a solo viewing situation
Scenes of discrimination, emotional cruelty, and a character being physically beaten that can be intense for sensitive viewers
The 'white savior' critique is real—this is a story about Black women told through a white protagonist's lens, which is worth discussing
Some bathroom-related humiliation that's played for justice but is genuinely upsetting to watch

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think it was dangerous for the maids to tell their stories? What would you have done?"
"The movie has been criticized for making Skeeter the hero of a story that's really about Aibileen and Minny. What do you think about that?"
"How do you think things have changed since the 1960s? What hasn't changed enough?"
"Why do you think some of the white women treated their maids so badly when those same maids were raising their children?"
"What does courage look like in this movie? Who do you think was the bravest character?"

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