Things That Go Hmmm: Creepy Age Gaps in 16 Popular Movies

1. Lolita 1962，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 109672, ID: 0056193
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Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Lolita’ is a controversial film that explores the infatuation of a middle-aged college professor with a 14-year-old girl. The movie’s portrayal of such a relationship is uncomfortable, yet it’s presented in a way that’s not painful but rather romantic and engaging. The age gap and its implications are central to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking watch.
2. Big 1988，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 242499, ID: 0094737
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‘Big’ is a classic comedy that explores the concept of growing up too fast. However, the romantic relationship between the adult-sized Josh and his coworker Susan raises eyebrows due to the real age of Josh being just 13. The movie’s charm doesn’t fully mask the unsettling nature of this relationship, making it a questionable element in an otherwise enjoyable film.
3. Lost in Translation 2003，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 495121, ID: 0335266
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‘Lost in Translation’ is a beautifully crafted film about connection and loneliness. However, the age gap between the leads, a 52-year-old Bill Murray and a 17-year-old Scarlett Johansson, is noticeable. While their relationship remains platonic, the age difference adds an element of unease to their intimate friendship.
4. Casablanca 1942，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 610793, ID: 0034583
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‘Casablanca’ is a timeless classic that doesn’t feature a notable age gap between the leads. The film’s focus on love, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas in a time of war overshadows any potential age-related issues. Its enduring popularity attests to its successful handling of relationships and character dynamics.
5. Call Me by Your Name 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 322049, ID: 5726616
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A beautifully crafted film that explores the complexities of a summer romance between Elio, a 17-year-old boy, and Oliver, a 24-year-old man. The age gap, while controversial, adds a layer of tension and longing to their relationship. However, it’s the emotional maturity and depth of their connection that truly captivates the audience.
6. Jurassic Park 1993，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1079226, ID: 0107290
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A thrilling adventure that brings dinosaurs back to life, with an underlying theme of man’s hubris in manipulating nature. The age gap between the lead characters, Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler, is subtly presented, adding a unique dynamic to their professional and personal relationship.
7. Singin’ in the Rain 1952，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 263135, ID: 0045152
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A timeless musical that captures the transition from silent films to talkies. The age gap between the lead characters, played by Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, is noticeable but doesn’t overshadow the film’s charm and vibrant energy.
8. As Good as It Gets 1997，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 321120, ID: 0119822
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A complex romantic comedy featuring Melvin, a misanthropic novelist, and Carol, a waitress. The significant age gap between them adds to the film’s exploration of unconventional relationships, making it a thought-provoking watch.
9. Manhattan 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 148289, ID: 0079522
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Woody Allen’s ‘Manhattan’ is a poignant exploration of love and loss, featuring a controversial relationship between a 42-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl. The age gap, while unsettling to some, serves to highlight the complexities of romantic relationships.
10. That’s My Boy 2012，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 110720, ID: 1232200
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Adam Sandler’s ‘That’s My Boy’ is a comedy that pushes the boundaries of taste, featuring a storyline where a young boy becomes a father after a relationship with his teacher. The age gap and the circumstances of the relationship are uncomfortable, making the humor feel forced and inappropriate. Despite its comedic intentions, the movie fails to address the serious implications of its premise.
11. An Education 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 138524, ID: 1174732
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‘An Education’ tells the story of a 16-year-old girl who falls for a 35-year-old man. The film is not painful but rather romantic and wonderfully entertaining. The age gap is central to the plot and influences the dynamics of their relationship. The film is often saved by Kristen Bell’s sensitive and complex performance.
12. The Reader 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 261822, ID: 0976051
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‘The Reader’ explores a relationship between a 15-year-old boy and a woman in her mid-30s. The film focuses on the boy’s shame and guilt, which shifts the narrative from German guilt about the Holocaust to a more universal human experience. The age gap adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, making it a compelling watch.
13. Palo Alto 2013，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 31472, ID: 2479800
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‘Palo Alto’ is a film that captures the essence of youth, featuring a relationship between a teenage girl and her soccer coach. The age gap is a significant aspect of the plot, contributing to the film’s overall mood and tone. Despite some flaws, the film is praised for its performances and cinematography.
14. The Crush 1993，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 22603, ID: 0106627
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The Crush, a 1993 film, presents a disturbing narrative of a young girl’s infatuation with an older man. The film’s plot, which involves a 14-year-old girl’s advances towards a man in his late twenties, is unsettling due to the significant age gap and the inappropriate nature of their relationship. Despite the film’s attempt to portray this as a thrilling narrative, the age difference between the characters raises serious ethical concerns.
15. Notes on a Scandal 2006，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 85229, ID: 0465551
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Notes on a Scandal, a 2006 film, explores the scandalous relationship between a teacher and her underage student. The film effectively highlights the inappropriate age gap and power dynamics in their relationship. The performances by Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett are commendable, but the age difference and the illicit nature of the relationship make it a discomforting watch.
16. American Hustle 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 502710, ID: 1800241
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American Hustle, a 2013 film, showcases a complex web of deceit and manipulation. While the film doesn’t directly focus on age gaps, it does present relationships that are morally ambiguous and ethically questionable. The film is a vibrant portrayal of ambition and deception, with stellar performances by the cast.