Dickens & Rumi
Cover of (500) Days of Summer

film

(500) Days of Summer

2009

Tom, greeting-card writer and hopeless romantic, is caught completely off-guard when his girlfriend, Summer, suddenly dumps him. He reflects on their 500 days together to try to figure out where their love affair went sour, and in doing so, Tom rediscovers his true passions in life.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 relationship drama includes implied sex, alcohol use, a brief physical fight, depression and significant heartbreak. Its emotional themes and nonlinear storytelling suit older teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance5/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5
  • Sexual content & nudity2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Positive messages3/5
  • Courage & resilience2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Features common brand names in a realistic setting.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild to moderate profanity throughout.

Romance5/5
Why this rating?

Central theme of the film is a romantic relationship.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Not a scary or suspenseful film.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Tom and Summer have sex after beginning a casual relationship; the supplied material does not indicate graphic sexual detail.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Tom drinks heavily while depressed, goes out for alcohol, and returns to work heavily intoxicated; consequences are shown rather than glamorized.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

A man brawls with Tom in a bar after making sexual and romantic advances toward Summer; the conflict is brief rather than sustained.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Tom eventually faces painful truths, abandons unrealistic expectations, returns to his interests, and pursues a new professional path.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Tom rediscovers architecture and builds a portfolio; the nonlinear structure also encourages reflection on memory and perspective.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Standard ensemble cast for a romantic dramedy.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Reflective on social dynamics and professional aspirations.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friends, Rachel, and Summer provide some support and honest guidance, though the relationship is marked by hurt feelings and repeated conflict.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes self-reflection, recognizing incompatibility, avoiding romantic idealization, accepting disappointment, and rebuilding one's direction.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Tom makes self-centered and unhealthy choices during heartbreak, but eventually accepts responsibility and pursues architecture; other characters offer corrective advice.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in (500) Days of Summer would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in (500) Days of Summer, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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