Ladybird (movie) by Greta Gerwig
This movie stars Saoirse Ronan (”Ladybird”) as a rebellious teenager, anxious to get away from her annoying mother and family. Although the acting is flawless, it’s the usual coming of age story complete with a heavy dose of profanity and crude expressions, disrespectful language and attitude (primarily aimed at the mother) and also features teen use of alcohol/drugs and the main character, Ladybird, (aged 17) having sex with a boy. (This scene is fairly explicit). When she expresses surprise that this first sexual experience wasn’t more special for her, the boy (who has already had sex with 6 other girls) tells her that she is ” …going to have so much much unspecial sex in your life”.
There are various other scenes which include a brief homosexual encounter, masturbation (implied), and conversations between Ladybird and her friend about sex.
Verdict: I can see why the movie was chosen as it explores issues like the Mother-Daughter conflict/bond, teenage angst and growing pains, Identity etc. but I would not allow my teenage daughter to watch a movie like this at home -so riddled with profanities, sex and negative messages- so why would I be okay for her to watch it at school ???
(Lynn, Co.Monaghan)
Verdict: This movie gives negative messages about respect, love, sex, and family. Not suitable to be studied on the national curriculum.
(Mairead, Parent Co. Cork)