PG-13

Finding Forrester

In an ordinary place, he found the one person to make his life extraordinary.

2000 • 136 min • Drama · History

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Synopsis

Gus Van Sant tells the story of a young African American man named Jamal who confronts his talents while living on the streets of the Bronx. He accidentally runs into an old writer named Forrester who discovers his passion for writing. With help from his new mentor Jamal receives a scholarship to a private school.

Our family guide

Best from age 12

Movie Knight Score

1250 reviews

71 Audience · 1250 · 100%

Jamal, a talented young writer from the Bronx, finds an unlikely mentor in a reclusive author named Forrester. Their friendship helps Jamal navigate a prestigious new school and embrace his literary gifts, while also encouraging Forrester to re-engage with the world. It's a story about mentorship, overcoming prejudice, and the power of words.

Violence & peril: 3/10
Language: 4/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 3/10
Romance & sensuality: 1/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Some strong language is used, including a few F-words.
Characters drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes.
Themes of grief and reclusiveness are present.

What it models well

The power of mentorship
Embracing one's talents
Overcoming prejudice
The value of education and literature

Talk about it after

Discuss the importance of finding a mentor.
Talk about how people can prejudge others based on appearance or background.
Explore the different paths to education and self-improvement.
Consider the role of writing and storytelling in connecting people.

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