Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Hannah and Her Sisters is a grown-up movie best for mature teens and an ideal film to watch as a family. In essence, it's a seriocomic gift, with profound concepts about life, lightened by delicious laughs that emerge from the characters and their relationships rather than situations or pratfalls. Woody Allen has created an extended family of rich characters, all of whom are complex "works in progress." Sex and sexual longing are key elements of some story lines, as is past and present drug and alcohol abuse. Themes include dishonesty, infidelity, codependency, and self-realization (or the lack of it). Sexual scenes are limited to passionate kissing and embracing, plus a few moments in bed post-intercourse. A number of characters have substance-abuse issues (a woman snorts cocaine on camera), and drinking and smoking frequently occur. Language includes mild swearing ("hell, " "ass," "Jesus Christ") and sexual references (masturbation, "whorehouse," "banging her sister," "knock off little Greek boys").
Sexual
Content
No nudity or actual overt sexual activity other than kissing and passionately embracing. However, sexuality, longing, and sexual fantasizing are core elements of the story. Key characters contemplate and then engage in adultery. Lovers are seen in bed after intercourse. References to masturbation, child molestation, AIDS, and homosexuality.
Violence
Not applicable
Language
Some swearing and sexual references: "ass," "damn," "for Christ's sake," "tight-ass," "hell," "masturbate," "knock off little Greek boys," "banging her sister," "whorehouse."
Social
Behavior
Asserts that people can take positive steps to becoming their best selves and can overcome past behaviors. Creativity and dysfunction are seen as going hand in hand. Characters have been created as complex, multifaceted beings, advancing the concept that people are neither all good nor all bad; their very humanness means that mistakes will be made.
Consumerism
Some NYC locations and businesses are shown: St. Regis-Sheraton Hotel, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Pageant Books, Carlyle Restaurant, King Menswear. Wonder Bread and Hellmann's Mayonnaise are part of a visual joke.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Substance abuse and addiction play a part in the backstories of several characters: One sister is a recovering alcoholic; a second sister has a cocaine problem -- she's shown high on the drug in several scenes and snorts cocaine in another; and the girls' mother is an alcoholic who "falls off the wagon" on-screen. Wine and other alcoholic beverages are consumed in numerous social settings; toasts are delivered. References to AA, Quaaludes, Seconal. Characters smoke.
