Story
Young@Heart is a chorus group of very elderly singers, with an average age of 80. They perform in the US and have toured Europe. Surprisingly, and sometimes comically, the music is contemporary and classic rock’n’roll, including hits by the Clash, Sonic Youth and the Ramones. This documentary by Stephen Walker is about Young@Heart as a group and as individuals. They display their artistic talents, which are brought together so well by director Bob Cilman. It is inspiring to see a diverse group of people overcoming the isolating effects of old age. They cope with ill health and heartbreaking losses while embracing the joy that music and friendship provide them.
Themes
Ageing and dying
Violence
There is no violence in this movie.
Content that may disturb children
Under 8
There are some scenes in this movie that could scare or disturb children under the age of eight. For example:
- Bob is shown in hospital with tubes in his nose.
- Joe is also shown in hospital having a blood transfusion, with blood dripping through tubes.
- Fred needs oxygen to breath and is shown with tubes in his nose attached to his portable supply.
From 8-13
Children in this age group might also be disturbed by the above-mentioned scenes and by the fact that two leading members of the group die during the making of this movie.
Over 13
Children in this age group, like many adults, might be upset by the reported deaths of leading choir members.
Sexual references
None of concern
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
There is some use of substances in this movie, including some alcohol drinking.
Nudity and sexual activity
None of concern
Product placement
None of concern
Coarse language
None of concern
Ideas to discuss with your children
Young@Heart was originally made as a BBC documentary aimed mainly at an adult audience. Its main messages are that you’re never too old to try something new and that you should live life to the full.