PG-13

Absolute Beginners

Welcome to the world of your dreams!

1986 • 108 min • Drama · Music · Romance

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Synopsis

A musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes' novel about life in late 1950s London. Nineteen-year-old photographer Colin is hopelessly in love with model Crepe Suzette, but her relationships are strictly connected with her progress in the fashion world. So Colin gets involved with a pop promoter and tries to crack the big time. Meanwhile, racial tension is brewing in Colin's Notting Hill housing estate...

Our family guide

Best from age 13

Movie Knight Score

70 reviews

55 Audience · 70 · 100%

This vibrant musical explores late 1950s London through the eyes of young photographer Colin as he navigates love, ambition, and societal shifts. He chases success to win the affection of a driven model, all while racial tensions simmer in his neighborhood.

Violence & peril: 3/10
Language: 3/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 4/10
Romance & sensuality: 4/10
Scary moments: 2/10

Heads up

Scenes of racial discrimination and violence
Some characters are shown smoking and drinking
Implied sexual relationships, but no explicit content

What it models well

Individuality and self-expression
Pursuit of artistic passion
Challenging societal norms

Talk about it after

The impact of social class and racial prejudice
How youthful ambition can shape choices
The importance of standing up for what is right

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Absolute Beginners. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.