
Stella
Best from age 13 · PG-13 · 1990 · 109 min
Stella
Stella, a working-class single mother, dedicates her life to giving her daughter Jenny opportunities she never had. As Jenny grows up and aims for a life beyond Stella's means, their bond is tested by differences in social class and life aspirations. It's a heartfelt story about a mother's sacrifice and unconditional love.
What's in it
0 = none · 10 = intenseViolence & peril
Mild1/10
Language
Moderate3/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking
Moderate3/10
Romance & sensuality
Mild2/10
Scary moments
Mild1/10
Heads up
- Infrequent mild language
- Some drinking and smoking
- Brief, implied sexual situations
- Themes of class struggle and social judgment
Models well
- Unconditional love and sacrifice
- Mother-daughter bond
- Social mobility and aspiration
- Resilience in the face of adversity
Talk about it after
- What it means to sacrifice for someone you love
- The challenges of growing up in different social environments
- How communication can bridge generational gaps
- Defining success for yourself versus pleasing others
Cast & crew
Directed by: John Erman

Bette Midler
Stella Claire

John Goodman
Ed Munn

Trini Alvarado
Jenny Claire

Stephen Collins
Stephen Dallas

Marsha Mason
Janice Morrison

Eileen Brennan
Mrs. Wilkerson

Linda Hart
Debbie Whitman

Ben Stiller
Jim Uptegrove

William McNamara
Pat Robbins
John Bell
Bob Morrison

Ashley Peldon
Jenny (age 3)

Alisan Porter
Jenny (age 8)