Avalon parents guide

Avalon Parent Guide

This bittersweet mosaic of the immigrant experience yields deep insights into the importance of families.

Overall A

What makes a family, a family? Barry Levinson examines the essence of this relationship in his introspective movie Avalon.

Release date October 5, 1990

Violence C+
Sexual Content A
Profanity B-
Substance Use C

Why is Avalon rated PG? The MPAA rated Avalon PG

Run Time: 126 minutes

Parent Movie Review

What makes a family, a family?

Barry Levinson examines the essence of this relationship in his introspective movie Avalon. Almost like looking at someone’s photo album, where picture by picture a life story unfolds, this film is a collection of exquisitely crafted scenes that reveal the desires and disappointments of Sam Krichinsky’s family as they pursue the American dream.

From the snapshots we learn Sam (Armin Mueller-Stahl) was only able to leave Eastern Europe because his four older brothers pooled together their hard earned wages to pay for his passage. We observe many “family circle” meetings where contributions are collected to bring over other relatives. We join the gathering of aunts, uncles and cousins for crowded Thanksgiving dinners. And we chuckle at the complexities of multiple generations living under the same roof, next door or across the street from each other.

As the years pass and the clan grows, Sam tries to pass on this history to its youngest members. Despite chiding from his wife (Joan Plowright)—How many times do we need to hear that story?—the aging man loves to share the wonder he felt when he arrived in Baltimore on July 4, 1914. Unfamiliar with Independence Day celebrations, the starry-eyed immigrant believed the fireworks were welcoming him to his new home. Although Sam’s sentimental tales are largely ignored, his grandson Michael (Elijah Wood) hangs on every word.

But America is not always the Promised Land. We witness this gradual disillusionment through a series of little events. First, an act of violence touches their lives. Then the melting pot philosophy contributes to Sam’s son and nephew (Aidan Quinn and Kevin Pollack) changing their last name, sensing no significance in their identity or heritage. Even the blessing of increased financial security and a nicer house in the suburbs only leads to feelings of inequality and greater distance between the kin. When an overlooked minor tradition is taken as a major offence, the final undoing of family ties occurs.

Yet this film is about more than the slow unraveling of the Krichinsky’s family fabric. Their plight encapsulates the impact of cultural changes on an entire nation. Some of the subtle influences explored in the movie include the effects of affluence, the introduction of television, and attitudes towards the elderly.

It’s unlikely such themes will enthrall many little tikes, and perhaps that’s just as well. The film contains mild profanities, many depictions of main characters smoking and drinking (including a pregnant woman), a brief scene showing a stabbing victim’s blood, and portrayals of children playing recklessly with matches (the negative consequences are emphasized). More mature audiences however, will most probably be able to relate to some of the experiences presented. Enhanced by Randy Newman’s poignant musical score, Avalon’s bittersweet mosaic yields deep insights into the importance of families.

Directed by Barry Levinson. Starring Elizabeth Perkins, Kevin Pollak, Elijah Wood. Running time: 126 minutes. Theatrical release October 5, 1990. Updated

Avalon Parents' Guide

Sam Krichinsky makes the obvious, yet profound statement: “If you stop remembering—you forget.”  What does he mean? Why is remembering so important? What are some things you could do to preserve your family’s memories?

What mutual benefits do Sam and his grandson Michael derive from the strong bond they share? Conversely, why does Sam let such little grievances rob him of the ties to his own siblings? How does the closeness or distance of family relationships impact your life?

What things contributed to the break down of the Krichinsky family? Do these same things have the ability to affect your family life?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Avalon movie is March 13, 2001. Here are some details…

Avalon release to home video (DVD) with the following extras:
- Talent Files (Barry Levinson, Aidan Quinn, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Elizabeth Perkins, Lou Jacobi, Joan Plowright, Kevin Pollak and Elijah Wood)

Related home video titles:

Fiddler on the Roof chronicles the far-reaching effects of changing family traditions in the life of a Jewish milkman. The New Zealand film Whale Rider tells the story of a young Maori girl’s attempt to return to her cultural roots. Child actor Elijah Wood grew up to star as Frodo in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Related news about Avalon

Thanksgiving Movies

Thanksgiving Movies

{parents:pull_quote}

8 Movies Celebrating America’s Immigrants on July 4th

8 Movies Celebrating America’s Immigrants on July 4th

{parents:pull_quote}