I don't believe I was rude, how about you?

Question

I was trying to enjoy myself while watching a movie, and picked a seat in the packed theater next to a mother and her two children. Now I had no problem until halfway through the film, where one of the kids began bawling. After several minutes where one of the scenes was completely ruined by the experience, I POLITELY brought my finger to my lips and said "ssshhhh." The child's (the kid was only three) mother looked at me weird and asked if I had a problem with her son. I said, as quietly and politely as I could, "yes, ma'am".

To be blunt, she wasn't that happy. Or quiet, after I said (more like whispered) that.

I normally tolerate kids, however, if they're ill-behaved for a long time (it was enough to seriously dampen my moviegoing experience), I have a problem. Is it rude for me to calmly state that?

By the way, the movie I was in was rated R, and, to be brief, for good reason. What was a three-year-old kid and his five-year-old brother doing there anyway?

Answer 1

No, you weren't rude. The mother was rude for not taking her distressed child outside the theater. Mothers tend to be overprotective of their children, no matter how badly they're behaving. Even if you brought it to the woman's attention, she still would have had a problem with you doing so. How dare you, a total stranger, ask her to keep HER sweet little angel quiet in a movie theater?! The nerve!

I recommend getting an employee of that movie theater in there (preferably a manager) who would be authorized to throw her and her kids out if she gave him any attitude. That usually works better than just talking to them like a polite and civilized member of society.

It's sad that it has to be that way, but politeness only works with other polite people. When a person is in the theater with a screaming child and doesn't do anything about it, it's obvious you're not dealing with a polite individual.

Answer 2

I don't think you were rude at all. You have every right to enjoy the movie that you paid to see. And these days, paid dearly. She should have quieted the child immediately or have removed both children to the lobby until he could be quieted. You're also correct that taking a 5 year old and 3 year old to an R rated movie wasn't appropriate in the first place. I really see no other option for you in this case other than reporting the disturbance to the manager, which would not have made her any happier.

Added note: While addressing the mother rather than the child might have been more appropriate, the fact is that the mother still would have been angry. And sometimes a child will be sooner to hush if they are addressed directly by a stranger.

Answer 3

I don't think you were being rude at all. It might have annoyed her that you talked to the kid instead of to her...but you're right that a kids of those ages shouldn't be in a rated R movie in the first place. However, it was her choice...but I think that anyone who is not in a G film yet chooses to bring kids should be aware that others will be upset by the experience. If it was a packed theater, you had no choice of where to sit.

I'm sorry that you had such an awful experience. I hope it won't ruin your movie going in the future!

Answer 4

You were NOT being rude. This lady was rude, as well as inconsiderate and probably a bad parent. I went to the movies a few days ago an encountered the same problem, but I was sitting in the middle of the aisle and they were too far away to tell to "shhh!".
Next time complain and you may be able to get a refund. I actually saw people from my movie getting refunds for what I assume was the 3 different stupid kids crying the entire movie.
If they can't afford a baby sitter they shouldn't be paying for a movie.
I used to wonder why I had 2nd graders with potty mouths, too, but not anymore.

Answer 5

Nope, I don't believe you were being rude at all i probably would've done the same thing. There's a reason why movies are rated-R, why the heck would the mother take her two children to a rated-R movie? I think the mother was being rude i mean she should put herself in your shoes and not be selfish. Ugh, little kids should'nt even be allowed to go to the movies they ruin the whole experience. (some)

Answer 6

I am with you... I do not understand bringing children that do not know how to behave to the movies... And the parents need to get a clue and realize that if their kid is acting up to take care of them or get out of the theater.

I almost had a mother try and fight me because when her kid wouldn't stop kicking my seat at a basket ball game, I reached back and put my hand in his way... didn't grab him... just blocked him... she went off on me about me grabbing her kid and how f-d up it was....

Answer 7

Geez, I don't think you were rude at all. Obviously, the kids wouldn't keep quiet, so you asked them in the nicest way possible to stop, without making a scene or anything. What did the lady expect you to do? "Lady, tell your stupid kid to shut up! He's ruining the movie." Really. She shouldn't have had them there in the first place anyways.

Answer 8

No, you were NOT the rude one. Why do people think it is okay to bring small children to rated R movies? (I think I am more sensitive to this subject because I teach 3-5 year olds)Anyway, if the child started crying, she should have left the theater immediately to calm him down.

Answer 9

Your reasoning is 100% correct. But a 3-year old really doesn't understand a "ssshhh." I would've moved far away from them. Learn a lesson from the situation; don't sit near little brats ! You were not rude, but still stay away from them. btw, I realize it was packed in there, but there had to be a seat open. Don't even give it another thought. :) Great question! It deserves a star!! -L

Answer 10

You did nothing wrong at all. I agree, what kind of mother takes kids to a R rated movie any ways? She should have calmed down her kids so you would not have to say anything in the first place. Don't worry about it no longer , you did nothing wrong .