Uncensored Assistant:
When Your Teacher Is Your Dream
Let me tell you, high school history was the best part of my day, thanks to my American History teacher. She showed us "Unforgiven" while we talked about Prohibition, and "Come See Paradise" when we discussed World War II. Those R-rated films were never mentioned to my parents, but they sure made history lessons way more entertaining.
Fast forward to today, I'm a parent myself, and I wonder, when can I be like my history teacher, focusing more on the critical or historical message of a film rather than its content? So here you have it, a selection of some R-rated movies that are worth watching with your kids, given their positive or significant messages. But remember, they contain adult content, so do your research before you press play.
Schindler's List (1993)
If your history teacher doesn't show this powerful movie in class, they should definitely consider it. Set during World War II, it follows a German industrialist (Liam Neeson) who tries to save more than a thousand Jews from a concentration camp where they are most likely to perish. It's a moving testament to why we must never forget our past.
Streaming Platform: Digital Rental
Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Gotten last-minute help writing a book report? Then show your kid this masterpiece about love and conflict during the French and Indian Wars. The epic directed by Michael Mann with Daniel Day-Lewis (and his literal naked chest) is the best of the many adaptations of James Fenimore Cooper's novel. Just remind your kid at the end of the movie that they're writing a book report and not a film review.
Streaming Platforms: Tubi, Digital Rental
Rumble Fish (1983)
Francis Ford Coppola directed another adaptation of S.E. Hinton's work, this time taking a different aesthetic approach. Instead of the vibrant colors and the soaring orchestral music, this 1980s teen drama in the style of the French New Wave uses a dark color palette and an experimental score. It shows how a film can be an artistic medium.
Streaming Platform: Digital Rental
The Breakfast Club (1985)
This classic 80s comedy set the blueprint for showing the social hierarchy of high school. The simple plot revolves around a princess, a jock, a criminal, a nerd, and a loser spending their Saturday together. Only to realize at the end that they have more in common than they thought, after they've smoked some grass.
Streaming Platforms: Freevee, Tubi, Digital Rentals
The Matrix (1999)
This groundbreaking (and incredibly violent) sci-fi movie hides philosophical messages about the mind and body, along with themes about conformity and class, wrapped up in a neat package that young people can use to question the status quo.
Streaming Platforms: Hulu, Max, Digital Rental
Ghost World (2001)
Based on the work of artist Daniel Clowes, "Ghost World" is praised for its quirky charm. It perfectly captures the feeling of drifting after high school as a teenager tries to find their place in the world.
Streaming Platforms: Freevee, Tubi, Pluto TV, Digital Rental
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie shine in this historically-based drama about a young woman who is institutionalized after a failed suicide attempt and deals with the conflicts between patients and staff. The film touches on themes of dissent and gender bias that have persisted since its release.
Streaming Platform: Hulu, Digital Rental
Fame (1980)
Follow the struggles and trials of high school students aspiring to be actors, singers, and dancers at a New York City performing arts school. Sure, it's a bit outdated, but who doesn't want to dream of their name "lighting up the sky like fire" as the movie's theme says?
Streaming Platform: Digital Rental
Dangerous Minds (1995)
Based on the real-life story of a former Marine turned high school teacher, this 90s movie shows a teacher using unconventional methods to connect with troubled students, from martial arts to Bob Dylan lyrics.
Streaming Platform: Digital Rental
Stand By Me (1986)
When I compiled this list, several people suggested adding "The Shawshank Redemption" instead, a film that is undeniably brilliant. However, it might not be so easy to watch, especially if it isn't showing on cable TV or if you can't deal with commercials. As an alternative, I recommend this heart-wrenching Stephen King adaptation about the loss of innocence and the bond of friendship. It follows four teenagers who go on a journey to find the bodies of three missing classmates, guided by director Rob Reiner with great skill.
Streaming Platforms: Netflix, AMC+, Digital Rental
SPEED (1994)
I'm including this one for personal reasons. Despite growing up and not really watching R-rated movies, somehow my classmates saw a lot of them. Somehow, my parents made an exception for this fast-paced action film, and thirty years later, it's still one of my favorites.
In this film, there's no lesson to be learned. It's just pure, unadulterated pleasure to watch a city bus race through the streets of Los Angeles and see the chaos that follows. That's why we go to the movies and spend hours sitting in crowded theater seats with hundreds of strangers.
Streaming Platforms: Starz, Digital Rentals
Read also:
Enrichment Data:
While R-rated movies are usually not suitable for children due to their mature themes and content, there are some films that have positive or significant messages and might be worth watching with older teenagers or young adults. However, it's essential to exercise caution and consider the individual maturity level of the viewer. Some examples include:
- "Dead Poets Society" (1989): This classic film is about a group of high school students who find inspiration and self-discovery under the guidance of their unconventional English teacher, played by Robin Williams. It explores themes of individuality, creativity, and the importance of following one's dreams.
- "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006): This film tells the story of a dysfunctional family's journey to help their young daughter participate in a beauty pageant. It deals with themes of family, perseverance, and finding one's own path in life. Despite its R-rating, it has been praised for its positive portrayal of a non-traditional family and its exploration of human relationships.
- "Pig" (2021): While not traditionally a "positive" film, "Pig" has been praised for its nuanced exploration of grief, loss, and the human condition. It follows a truffle hunter, played by Nicolas Cage, as he searches for his stolen pet pig. The film has been noted for its thoughtful and emotional depth, making it a complex and mature viewing experience.
- "The Wrestler" (2008): Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this film is a powerful exploration of the life of a professional wrestler. It delves into themes of identity, mortality, and the human spirit. While it contains mature content, it has been recognized for its raw emotion and its portrayal of a complex, flawed character.
- "Manchester by the Sea" (2016): This film, directed by Kenneth Lonergan, is a poignant exploration of grief, guilt, and redemption. It follows a man who returns to his hometown after his brother's death and must confront his past. The film has been praised for its thoughtful and emotionally charged storytelling.
These films are not only critically acclaimed but also contain significant themes and messages that can be valuable for older teenagers or young adults to explore. However, it's essential to consider the individual maturity level of the viewer and to have open and honest discussions about the content of the film.
