PG-13

Wrestling Ernest Hemingway

...and other lies your friends let you get away with.

1993 • 123 min • Drama

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Synopsis

Frank, a retired Irish seaman, and Walter, a retired Cuban barber, are two lonely old men trapped in the emptiness of their own lives. When they meet in a park Frank is able to start a conversation after several attempts. They begin to spend time together and become friends. But because of their different characters they often quarrel with each other and finally seperate after Frank misbehaves to Walter's friend Elaine.

Our family guide

Best from age 13

Movie Knight Score

55 reviews

63 Audience · 55 · 100%

Frank, an aging Irish seaman, and Walter, a Cuban barber, are two lonely retirees who find an unlikely friendship in Florida. Despite their different personalities leading to frequent quarrels and a temporary separation, they navigate the complexities of aging and companionship. The film explores themes of connection and finding purpose later in life.

Violence & peril: 1/10
Language: 3/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 3/10
Romance & sensuality: 1/10
Scary moments: 0/10

Heads up

Some arguments and strong language between characters
Occasional drinking and references to past lives
Themes of loneliness and regret

What it models well

The value of friendship in later life
Finding connection and companionship
Overcoming loneliness

Talk about it after

How to build and maintain friendships, even with differing personalities
Understanding and empathizing with the challenges of aging
The importance of forgiveness and reconciliation

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