Parents' Guide to

Walk the Line

Movie PG-13 2005 136 minutes
Walk the Line Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Cynthia Fuchs , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Fascinating biopic, best for mature teens and up.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

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age 14+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Tsion
Tsion Parent of 14-year-old
July 22, 2010
age 14+

A High-Quality Biopic...

...for adults and teens. No kids on this one, period. However, for mature audiences, WALK THE LINE is an intelligent, entertaining, and ultimately uplifting movie to watch and discuss. The movie tells of Johnny Cash, his rise to stardom, failed marriage, and romance with June Carter (Cash). Another major point in the film is Cash's addiction to drugs. He starts popping pills early on in the film and, for the remainder of the film (minus the last 15-20 minutes) you see the affects of his addiction. Cash's behavior while high and later withdrawal are portrayed quite graphically and startlingly in some parts of the movie. This is just furthered by the brilliant (and realistic) performance by Juaquin Phoenix. Cash keeps on taking the pills even after he knows their affects, and his illegal procurement of them leads to brief domestic violence with his wife (hence, the violence caution up top). However, after June convinces him to stop the drugs, the movie becomes uplifting and sends positive messages of redemption. Language consists of frequent mild language ("d**n", "h*ll", "a*s") and one use of "f**k". Cash has affairs with women on the road, but nothing is ever shown beyond clothed kissing. He and June sleep together once while he is still married, but nothing at all is shown (just them clothed under covers in the morning).
jorgeal95
jorgeal95 Adult
March 6, 2011
age 14+

Mature content, but good biopic

Just a regular biopic of Johnny Cash plus his wife, both now resting in peace. In some parts, this may bore the younger teens and kids. You have to pay really good attention to the movie to understand it. A lot of partying behind the stage along with in taking of drugs. Reese does wonderfully in this movie as well as Joaquin. Good movie. Worth watching, I suppose
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

WALK THE LINE tells the life story of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) as he tries to please his disparaging father Ray (Robert Patrick), and finds solace in his passions for music and June (Reese Witherspoon). June and Johnny's legendary mutual devotion helps to make his equally infamous orneriness seem worthwhile. The film begins with Johnny's childhood trauma-that-becomes-life-crushing-guilt – the death of his older brother. Johnny joins the Air Force, and buys his first guitar while stationed in Germany in 1955. While in the Air Force, Johnny sees a newsreel about Folsom Prison, feels a kinship with the inmates, and writes "Folsom Prison Blues," the song with the dicey lyrics that convinces Sam Phillips (Dallas Roberts) to sign him. Johnny falls in love with fellow country singer June, but he's married to Vivian (Ginnifer Goodwin), who resents his absence and addictions. As Johnny's fame grows, his marriage falls apart and he desperately tries to win June, who inspires him in his career and eventually agrees to marry him.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (8 ):

Fascinating and well-acted, WALK THE LINE's mythologizing of Johnny Cash is never very surprising (though Phoenix's performance is frequently remarkable). Predictably showcasing high and low points, this biopic wrestles the man's contradictions and passions into a typical, palatable shape. The dead brother story begs comparison to Ray Charles', as do the two films' structural similarities.

June's dedication to Johnny is admirable and profound, She supports her man in all circumstances, even when Johnny makes it hard to love him. It makes all the difference, as the film loves their glorious duets and returns repeatedly to her moral and emotional schooling. Throughout the film, June's gaze makes Johnny seem inspired and exceptional. It's a familiar story, the good woman who stands by her man. And it's tantalizing too, suggesting that another, perhaps less typical story might be found in June's life.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether or not they feel this is an accurate portrayal of the events in Cash's life. Are there biases involved in the storytelling? Does the movie further the myth of Johnny Cash or provide new insight into his character? From whose point of view is the story told?

Movie Details

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