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Parents' Guide to

American Symphony

By Monique Jones, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Stellar docu on the power of music and perseverance.

Movie PG-13 2023 104 minutes
American Symphony Movie Poster: Above, Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad sit together; below, Batiste faces a large audience

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • American Symphony Movie: Jon Batiste faces a full audience
  • American Symphony Movie: Jon Batiste is seated in front of the audience
  • American Symphony Movie: Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad laugh together

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What's the Story?

AMERICAN SYMPHONY follows musician/composer Jon Batiste's journey as he creates the American Symphony, a piece with multiple movements that showcase the breadth of the American experience. But during the creation process, Batiste is tested when his partner Suleika Jaouad's cancer recurs after a long remission. The documentary then takes a turn from the professional to the personal as both sides of Batiste's life collide.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

American Symphony is an emotional ride and, ultimately, a story of love and support. Batiste must learn how to balance his creative ambitions and successes with his anxieties and worries about Jaouad. What comes next shows viewers how everyone -- famous or not -- must deal with the ebbs and flows of life. No one is immune from what life throws at us, and seeing Batiste battle his anxiety and insomnia, even as he's winning awards and creating masterpieces, is a lesson in how humanity binds us all.

Batiste's fans will appreciate the intimate, close-up account of the year he spent creating his symphony, and music fans of all stripes will love seeing the musical creative process at work. Batiste also gives voice to the African American experience when it comes to facing stereotypes and cliches. He shows how he tries to undermine these, but he also addresses his critics (at least somewhat) as well. Everything leads up to an emotional crescendo of music and feeling, making the a poignant viewing experience.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how American Symphony showcases teamwork and perseverance. Why are those important character strengths?

  • How does Jon Batiste describe music? What does it mean to him?

  • How do both Batiste and Suleika Jaouad turn to creativity to help process complex emotions? Why do they use creativity as an outlet?

  • What does the film have to say about race? Why is it important to see diverse representations in the media?

Movie Details

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