Parents' Guide to

Brighton Beach Memoirs

By Grace Montgomery, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Poignant portrayal of puberty has sexual content, profanity.

Movie PG-13 1986 108 minutes
Brighton Beach Memoirs Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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What's the Story?

Neil Simon's hit Broadway play was adapted for the film BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS. The movie chronicles the experiences of growing up poor in a big Jewish family in 1937's New York. Eugene (Jonathan Silverman) narrates the story as he navigates the pitfalls of puberty and watches his parents struggle to make ends meet, and his brother, cousin, and aunt try to discover what to do with their lives.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (2 ):

Yes, this film is full of cliches: the overbearing Jewish mother, the horny teenager, the drunk Irish neighbor, etc. But somehow Brighton Beach Memoirs works. It's a sweet film that nicely captures the awkwardness of being a teen boy, the youngest in the family, and poor. The characters are genuine and relatable, and Eugene is an amusing and sympathetic narrator. Teens and parents will find lots to discuss.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about puberty and how it's portrayed in Brighton Beach Memoirs. Do you think Eugene's experiences are typical? Why, or why not?

  • How does Aunt Blanche change throughout the movie? How does her journey fit with other American women during that time who started becoming more independent?

  • Do you think Nora should have listened to her mother and uncle's advice about the Broadway show? Or do you think she should have made her own decision? When should you listen to your parents, and when should you follow your heart and instincts?

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