The Third Man
Recommended. Age: 13+. A Catholic review of this movie for parents.
Our review
Holly comes to the city of Vienna to see his old friend Harry. He is told Harry is dead, but the story does not add up. Holly learns that his friend did very bad things, and he has to choose what is right. It is a black-and-white mystery for teens and grown-ups. This is a great film about a hard truth: a friend can be charming and still be wicked, and loyalty does not excuse helping him. Harry Lime's contempt for the lives of others is shown plainly and judged. Almost nothing rough is on screen. Expect gunfire without blood, a dark mood, and a sad ending.
For parents
For teens and up. Common Sense Media says 13+. No Catholic classification could be fetched. The film is bloodless, but its mood is shadowy and its talk is quick, so younger children will not follow it. Things to frame: Anna is Harry's girlfriend and stays loyal to him even after she learns what he did. The National Catholic Register essay sees in her how seductive evil can be. Lime's racket killed sick people, children among them, and he shrugs it off. Ask: why is Harry so likable? When does loyalty to a friend become a share in his wrong? What did it cost Holly to do the right thing, and did he get a reward for it? Is doing right still right when it ends sadly?