Roman Holiday
Recommended. Age: 13+. A Catholic review of this movie for parents.
Our review
A young princess is tired of her duties, so she sneaks out to see Rome for one day. A newspaper reporter shows her around, and he secretly plans to write a story about her. In the end they both choose to do the right thing, even though it is hard. This old movie is gentle and fun. This is a romance that ends in duty, which is rare. Ann goes back to the life she owes her people. Joe gives up the money and keeps her secret. Greydanus says the two rise to real nobility. Nothing improper happens between them. She does spend a night in his apartment, drowsy from a sedative, and he behaves decently. There is smoking and champagne. Catholic families will also enjoy the sights of Rome.
For parents
Not rated. No Catholic classification was retrieved. Common Sense Media says 9 and up. Greydanus says Teens & Up because of the romance and the shared room, and Lumen follows the Catholic reviewer. Many families will find it fine for a 10 or 11 year old watching with parents. Things to frame: an unmarried man and woman spend the night in one apartment. Nothing happens and he is honorable, but name it as a situation to avoid. Joe and his friend deceive Ann all day and secretly photograph her. Ask: when does Joe change his mind, and what does it cost him? Why does Ann go back? Is duty the enemy of happiness, or part of it? What promises have you made that you must keep even when you would rather not? At the Mouth of Truth, both of them are lying. What does the scene say about that?