Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape , based on child development research. How do we rate?
British LGBTQ+ drama has sex, language, homophobia, smoking.
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Blue Jean
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BLUE JEAN is the story of a gym teacher at a high school in the north east of England, named Jean (Rosy McEwen). Set in 1988, against the backdrop of Britain's Conservative government, Jean is gay but keeps her sexuality secret from most people as she understands that due to the country's laws, if it were to become public, she could lose her job. Her anxiety on this front is ramped up when her student Lois (Lucy Halliday) sees her at a local gay bar, which takes a toll on Jean, and on her relationship with her partner Viv (Kerrie Hayes).
Is It Any Good?
This is a striking debut feature from Georgia Oakley, that has an honesty and grit comparable to the works of Shane Meadows and Clio Barnard. Blue Jean is helped along by a simply breath-taking turn from McEwen as the film's central character. Jean is someone who is flawed and makes mistakes. One error in judgment in particular -- which could be seen as a betrayal of her own community -- might have turned the viewer against her in some films. But such is the nuanced, human display, and the tenderness that McEwen depicts, you stay on her side, throughout -- which is essential. Though set in the late 1980s, the themes are sadly resonant today. The notion of not being free to be yourself is still an issue that many in the LGBTQ+ community continue to contend with today. The film has a tension that runs right the way through it. But there is also a gentleness to it, making for a film that is both memorable and exquisitely executed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the prejudice the LGBTQ+ community faced in Blue Jean. Were you shocked? Do you think things have changed? What more can be done?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
There is a lot of smoking in the movie. How have attitudes toward smoking changed from when the film was set in the 1980s to today? What other differences from that time period did you notice?
Would you describe Jean as a positive role model? Why, or why not? What makes a good role model?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 9, 2023
- On DVD or streaming: September 5, 2023
- Cast: Rosy McEwen , Kerrie Hayes , Lucy Halliday
- Director: Georgia Oakley
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Magnolia Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: High School , History
- Character Strengths: Integrity , Self-control
- Run time: 97 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: September 3, 2024
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