Parents' Guide to

Terms of Endearment

By Randy White, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Glossy, funny, and packs a real emotional wallop.

Movie PG 1983 132 minutes
Terms of Endearment Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all
age 15+

Based on 2 parent reviews

doctora
doctora Parent of 5-year-old
May 30, 2022
age 15+

The terms have not aged well although MacLaine's performance saves it

Shirley MacLaine...yess! even Jack Nicholson...ok...but everyone else? Nope, sorry, I don't think so. Debra Winger is all over the place, her focus, erratic and is she even in her body? She has moments where it works, but it feels like MacLaine's show. She carries it in her core and is very believable. Perhaps it has not aged well, but I also do not see why those around her don't seem to like her? The unlikable one is Winger's character. Tearjerker...a few...sad, yes...worth enduring for over two hours...that is up to you.
Spencer H.
Spencer H. Adult
November 21, 2019
age 15+

Wonderful Oscar winner for older teens and adults only

This is a wonderful film that deserved every Academy Award it got, the acting and dialogue are both wonderful in every sense. However this movie does have one of the most heartbreaking finales in movie history. I don't typically cry at movies but this one got me to, so expect a lot of emotional intensity from this film that younger children will probably not be able to handle first off. Also there is quite frank sex talk in this film, use of drugs and also some rather strong profanity including an f word. Keep in mind this was before the PG-13 rating so to avoid an R rating and appeal to a broader audience lots of films got PG ratings but would certainly be PG-13 today. However teenagers who are film buffs should see this film as it is a true American classic with some of the finest acting ever in a motion picture. This is a really excellent film that has some strong themes and language so I would say 15 and up can handle it, but it definitely is not for anyone under 15 for sure.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In order to escape her overbearing mother Aurora (Shirley MacLaine), Emma (Debra Winger) marries a man of questionable merit. But Mamma cannot let go, even when Emma's family relocates for work. Things are tough personally and financially for Emma in her new community, and three kids later, she ends up having an affair with a dowdy local bank manager. Left alone at home, lonely Aurora eventually agrees to date next-door- neighbor Joe (Jack Nicholson), an obnoxious ex-astronaut who seemingly has all the wrong stuff. Mother and daughter continue to share every detail of their lives, including Emma's marital troubles and Aurora's newly awakened interest in sex. Things take a drastic turn for the worse when Emma is diagnosed with cancer. The end is slow and painful for Emma and her family.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (2 ):

This engaging movie cleaned up at the Academy Awards, winning Best Picture and Best Director Oscars for James L. Brooks, and a Best Actress nod for Shirley MacLaine. And it's easy to see why. This is the kind of well-made movie that Hollywood used to make on a regular basis. It's glossy, funny, and packs a real emotional wallop in its tragic conclusion.

Skilled performances make an absorbing story even more appealing. MacLaine and Deborah Winger provide most of the sparks, but they're well-supported by an exuberant Jack Nicholson and a superb cast of extras. The movie is populated with rich and genuinely funny supporting characters, including Jeff Daniels. Aurora is an embarrassment of neurotic riches, and MacLaine plays moments of embarrassment to the hilt. While a bit risqué for preteens, the rest of the family will laugh and weep through this charming movie.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about other sad movies. What is a tear-jerker? When is a movie considered to be one and when is it a moving story?

Movie Details

Inclusion information powered by

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate