Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Compelling drama about relentless pursuit of perfection.
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Whiplash
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 31 parent reviews
What's the Story?
In WHIPLASH, Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is a talented drummer -- talented enough to make it into Manhattan's prestigious music conservatory, Schaffer Academy. There's no bigger badge of approval at Schaffer than to be invited to join its elite jazz band, which is run by the tough and mysterious Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Fletcher has groomed some of jazz's best players, but pleasing him is a minefield. Fletcher's methods include -- among other, more traditional methods like pedagogy and charismatic history-sharing -- complete and utter humiliation. He's of the break-you-down-to-build-you-up (if at all) school of teaching. Andrew is thrilled to make the initial cut, but surviving Fletcher's class may break him, and his love for music, for good.
Is It Any Good?
Teller's total investment in his performance means viewers are no longer just viewers; we're also witnesses, and it's this intensity that makes writer-director Damien Chazelle's film so memorable. We pay little mind to its shortcomings: the unnecessary romance (which fails to flesh out Andrew but does expose his own cruelty) and the unfortunate impenetrability of Fletcher's (played brilliantly by Simmons) motives for his madness. Whiplash is both a refreshing, respectful ode to the beauty that is jazz music and a very compelling look at the horror that is a mentor-mentee relationship gone distressingly awry.
There's a particular scene in Whiplash when Andrew is hunched over the drums, aching to get through what may be the most important performance of his life. His hands are moving on their own steam, his body seized with tension and pain, his will driven to its limit. But he will not, he will not, he will not quit, and it's as if Teller has become his character, determined to make his mark with this movie, even if it kills him.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Andrew wants to work with Fletcher in Whiplash. Why do you think any of the kids yearn to be in his band when he's so hard to work with?
What's Whiplash's take on achievement and the road to success? Is it worth all the trouble? Fletcher makes great points about being complacent, but how does he cross the line?
Talk to your kids about what to look for in a mentor or a teacher. Is it OK for teachers to use unconventional tactics to motivate students? When should you worry -- and if that happens, what should you do?
How do the characters in Whiplash demonstrate perseverance? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 10, 2014
- On DVD or streaming: February 24, 2015
- Cast: J.K. Simmons , Miles Teller
- Director: Damien Chazelle
- Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Arts and Dance
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Run time: 106 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: strong language including some sexual references
- Awards: Academy Award , Common Sense Selection , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated: August 5, 2024
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