Wondering if A Man Called Otto is ok for kids? While Tom Hanks delivers an incredible performance, some subject material such as suicide ideation may be too mature for some kids and teens. Here’s what parents need to know in this Parents Guide to A Man Called Otto.
A Man Called Otto Parents Guide
Based on the New York Times bestseller, A Man Called Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grumpy widower whose only joy comes from criticizing and judging his neighbors. After his wife dies, he really doesn’t feel like he has anything to live for and attempts to end his life several times. However, something always seems to thwart his plans.
When a young family moves in across the street, he meets his match in quick-witted and very pregnant Marisol, leading to an unexpected friendship that will turn his world upside-down and maybe give him something to live for.
Age Rating: Why is A Man Called Otto Rated PG-13?
A Man Called Otto is rated PG-13 for suicide attempts, mature thematic material, and language which means some content is not suitable for kids under 13 years old.
Language in A Man Called Otto
There is some profanity in A Man Called Otto including words like a**, sh*t, damn, d*ck, bastard, prick, and words of Deity including g-ddamn. There are also more mild words used like idiot and stupid.
Mature Content: Is A Man Called Otto Ok for Kids?
There is some kissing between two characters.
A character tries to die by suicide in several instances throughout the film but is interrupted. Although used in somewhat comedic ways, this could be triggering for many teens and even adults. He tries to hang himself, poison himself by carbon monoxide, shoot himself, and jump in front of a train. Some close up shots of his face are quite emotional.
There is a scene with a car accident with bodies on the ground.
A character is transgender and talks about their parents kicking them out.
Is A Man Called Otto Appropriate for Kids Under 13?
In A Man Called Otto you can expect to see a lonely and grumpy older character who makes several suicide attempts, some kissing, emotional scenes, and profanity used by some of the characters. To sum it up, A Man Called Otto is not kid friendly for younger kids, but is fine for teens.
If you’ve read the book, then you basically know what to expect. If you have no empathy for the older generation, then you probably will find this story boring. This was one of my favorite books, and yes, the book is better, but there are some redeeming qualities about the film.
Tom Hanks gives an excellent performance as a curmudgeon, but I always pictures Otto as older as in some scenes he looked rather young for the character. Mariana Treviño as Marisol was delightful and made me laugh so much. I have known many Marisols in my life and her portrayal was spot on, no-nonsense with a heart of gold.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend A Man Called Otto for kids due to the content and slow pacing of the film, but it’s a good reminder that it does take a village and community to look out for one another. Messages of empathy and grace are prevalent which are good conversations to have with families.
A Man Called Otto is a moving story of living through and after grief and the people that are there to help you. While not all entirely uplifting, it’s a nice change of pace from all the negativity in the world.
