Iconic culture-clash romcom has innuendo, mild language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Language
some
"Ass," "jagoff," "bite me." Greek characters trick Ian into saying Greek phrases (subtitled in English for U.S. release): "I have three testicles" and "nice boobs." Kids tease a Greek character by calling moussaka "moose caca."
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The plot focuses extensively on romance. Characters kiss and make out in cars, and it's implied that they have sex. A character comes up to another's apartment, jumps onto him with a kiss, and knocks him over while fully clothed. In another scene, the man is shirtless as they lie in bed. Women getting ready for a wedding are seen in various states of undress (robes, hair curlers, beige-colored shapewear, etc.), but nothing graphic is shown.
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Comedic pratfalls. A character who isn't paying attention to where he's going walks into a woman, falls to the ground, and is struck on the face repeatedly with a handbag.
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Stresses the importance of family and a connection to traditions. It's important to find a balance between independence and remaining true to your roots. On the other hand, the film shows an "ugly duckling" makeover as the start of Toula's journey into finding love and happiness, which can send mixed messages about body image.
Positive Role Models
some
Toula learns to take control of her life from her well-intentioned but meddling parents and extended family. Ian is curious about Toula's life and readily accepts a culture different from his own because it's the culture of his bride-to-be. Their parents are bit more skeptical and stuck in their ways but eventually come together in the end.
Diverse Representations
some
Though the film uses Greek and immigrant stereotypes for humor -- Toula's father just wants her to "get married and make babies," she has a large and boisterous Greek family, etc. -- they're affectionately drawn and are based on the real experiences of screenwriter and lead actress Nia Vardalos. The film centers on women and showcases loving relationships between multiple generations of mothers, daughters, aunts, cousins, etc. In supporting and minor roles, the film has diversity among body shapes and ages. Toula's grandmother appears to have dementia, as she winds up in random places -- it's played for humor.
Parents need to know that My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a crowd-pleasing culture-clash romantic comedy. Characters kiss and make out in cars, and it's implied that they have sex (nothing graphic is shown). There's social drinking at parties and dinners; at festive events, a couple gets drunk on ouzo, and the room spins from their perspective. Language includes "ass," "jagoff," and "bite me," and a Greek character teaches an unknowing victim Greek phrases (subtitled in English for U.S. release): "I have three testicles" and "nice boobs." Positive messages include the importance of family and finding a balance between independence while staying true to your roots. Though the film uses Greek and immigrant stereotypes for humor, they're affectionately drawn and are based on the real experiences of screenwriter/lead actress Nia Vardalos. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
equinoxautumnParent of 11, 13, 15, 18+, 7 and 9-year-old
March 25, 2022
age 8+
The family values outweigh the cussing. A family favorite in our house!
The very few "dirty" jokes will go over little ones heads and the cuss words are not that bad. The tight knit family values outweigh the negatives. We have 8 children and they've all watched and loved this and we watch it over and over.
If you grew up in a Greek American family or a recently immigrated family from anywhere this will feel like home and will be a great way to open up opportunities to talk to your kids about how you grew up. Even if you don't fit that bill, everyone will see something of their family in the Portokalis and Miller families.
This movie is really fun and great for tweens. It is appropriate, but the main characters sleeping together was implies and one character wears revealing clothes. Otherwise, it is a sweet story perfect for tweens.
What's the Story?
In MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, Nia Vardalos plays Toula, the shy, plain daughter of a loving but overpowering Greek family. Her family believes that Greek girls are meant to marry Greek boys, have Greek babies, and cook a lot of Greek food. In the unlikely event that they don't get married, Greek women are expected to work in the family business -- in this case, a Greek restaurant. But Toula dreams of more, and with the help of her mother and aunt, she manages to get her dad thinking that it's his idea to have her go back to school and get a job in her aunt's travel agency. Toula starts not only to bloom but to glow, attracting the attention of Ian (John Corbett), a handsome teacher. But falling in love is only the first step when you have Toula's family to contend with.
Viewers will find Vardalos and her family irresistible. And the story behind My Big Fat Greek Wedding is as remarkable as the film itself. Actress/writer Vardalos created a one-woman show about her Greek family and their response when she married a man who wasn't Greek. Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson (who's Greek), saw the show and decided to make it into a movie with Vardalos playing herself.
Vardalos and director Joel Zwick balance the specifics of the Greek American culture with the transcendent commonalities of family dynamics, and Vardalos and Corbett have a believable sweetness with each other. The movie is riotously funny but heart-catchingly touching, and it may make you want to go back and hug everyone you're related to. This is a terrific choice for families with older tweens: The romance is age-appropriate, and the characters are great role models for how to fall in love and treat each other right. This is one movie where no surprises lurk. Just grab the popcorn, put the phones away, and enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the cultural differences on display in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Do you know of any families where the couples come from markedly different backgrounds? How have those differences created problems or opportunities for new, blended traditions?
What are some of the elements that make My Big Fat Greek Wedding a romantic comedy? How is it similar to and different from other romantic comedies?
How does the movie portray Greek American culture? Where might it have been exaggerated for the sake of comedy? Where did it seem like an accurate reflection?
Once Toula receives a makeover, she's able to find a husband. Can you think of other movies in which an "ugly duckling" gets a new look and suddenly enjoys a better life? What message does that send about body image?
Ian shows curiosity about Toula's Greek background. How does it benefit him to be open-minded? What are some things in your own life that you were curious about, and learning more led you to positive results? Why is curiosity a character strength?
MPAA explanation:
a mild sexual situation and some language
Last updated:
June 13, 2024
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