Iffy for 14+
Beatles musical hits strong notes amid sex, drugs.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although there's much to like about this Beatles-inspired musical -- it's visionary, it introduces young audiences to iconic songs, and it addresses important social issues -- some of the content is iffy for teens. Characters drink and take drugs without any negative consequences, and there are a few nude scenes (though they're artfully staged and echo the deep love between main characters Lucy and Jude). Still, teens are likely to relate to the film's powerful messages about the importance of friendships and the need to question authority when lives are at stake.
- Families can talk about how the Beatles' music defined a generation. Are the songs as relevant today as when they first became famous? What about their music makes it so universal? Families can also discuss the counter-culture movement of the 1960s and '70s. Are young people as involved with politics today as they were then? Or does that kind of passion only happen in movies anymore? Do you think that era tends to get idealized today? Why or why not?
The good stuff
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Messages: Characters plot ways to dodge the draft, sneak into the country illegally, and question the government (though all for reasons they deem noble -- i.e. to stop the Vietnam War). There's kindness between Lucy and Jude, even when they're at odds, and Jude and Max form a very strong and loyal friendship.
What to watch for
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Violence: Soldiers shoot at others during the Vietnam War; cops shoot at looters and beat protesters (one main character is bloodied); anti-war extremists build bombs; a quarrel between two men turns physical.
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Sex: Artistic scenes show two lovers floating in water, naked and kissing; they're also shown in bed (under the covers), waking up together, and locked in passionate embraces a handful of times (deep French kissing). Two scenes show bare breasts, and men's backsides are visible as well. Passing references to promiscuity.
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Language: Runs the gamut from "bastard" to "s--t" and "f--k."
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Consumerism: The film is inspired by Beatles music. Some labels of alcoholic beverages get screen time.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters smoke pot and use psychedelic drugs. They also drink quite a bit, from beer to hard liquor.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
all you need is this movie by LadyHawke47
beautifully constructed, elegantly thought through, deliciously cast, with the best soundtrack ever in the world. Taymor, the Beatles, and the 60s. It really is great.
5
A masterpiece!!!! by Jaylynn444
My boyfriend and I were both "Wowed" by this beautiful vision Director Julie Taymor brought to the screen. How brave to use a virtually unknown cast (except for Evan Racheal Wood and the surprise cameo appearances - which I won't ruin for you!), who just blew the entire theater away! They were all exceptional actors, awesome singers, and they all had such chemistry!! And as a little added bonus, Jim Sturgess (the actor who played Jude) is hot, hot, hot!!! Keep an open mind (It's NOT Sgt. Peppers from the 80's, thank God!), and don't get too judgemental about the different take on the Beatle's songs, because aside from being updated, modern, and awesome - Paul McCartney himself said "What's not to like?" when asked if he liked it.
5
Having been there...... by luker
I absolutely LOVED this movie!! I lived through that time and it was both wonderful and heartbreaking to return to those times through this movie. I knew all the songs by heart, loved the different versions done and thought the actors were great and the singing also. It was so great to see a few seconds of Joe Cocker and loved the Hendricks and Joplin characters. Evan Rachel Wood has the voice of an angel and Jim Sturgess is too cute for words. I will never forget this movie and have already ordered the soundtrack. Bono was incredible as well. If you lived through those days and were involved in the music, tha antiwar movement and the whole 60's experience, you must see this movie. Those days truly were "the best of times and the wosrt of times", and this film captured so much of the feelings in that time.
5
Best movie in a looooooooong time by loveisallyouneed
Oh my gosh, I went and saw this film at one of the few select theaters in my area. I LOVED it, I have never seen something so visually stunning before. I'm so glad that the director casted a group of unknowns, because they have AMAZING talent. I can't wait for this film to be widely released so I can see it a million more times :)
Bottom Line:
Everyone should see this movie because it's BRILLIANT
5
Do We Really Have to Wait for the Video?????! by katzchenminet
Nearly every movie I've seen in the past four months has run a trailer for Across the Universe beforehand . I was extremely excited about the idea behind the movie, let alone the soundtrack! Why exactly did they hype up this movie only to show it in just the major US cities? The movie isn't being shown anywhere in my state. The nearest showing of this movie is over 600 miles away. Its completely ridiculous and unacceptable.
5
Amazing by coolboi952
I attened a showing of this movie last night and I loved it and so did the person who I saw it with. I will not lie atleast three times during the movie we both had tears comming down. I wish I could say that about everyone in the theater. The thing is with this movie as is most things when art is involved it's not for everyone. I'm not saying it's perfect. It's litle slow in the start but once u get into it turns amazing. Especially Let It Be Which is just beautiful arrangment of the song. But I did notice some people leaving before t was over because as the one girl said on her way out "I don't get it." So in my conclusion I say go if you like movies,the time period it takes place in, and The Beatles. But rember you must give yourself over to the movie and just go with it.
5
The People That Gave This Movie A Bad Rating Are On Drugs by peg08
How can you not like this movie? You must be boring *** people that enjoy boring *** movies. Get a life and go play BINGO. I am not even a "hardcore" Beatles fan, but I absolutely LOVE this movie. It is engaging from beginning to end. My mother-in-law is by far the biggest Beatles fan in the world (trust me, her whole house is covered from top to bottom in Beatles memorabilia, etc. and she goes to Beatlefest every year and has all the old original vinyl and you get the point) and she thoroughly enjoyed the movie and the way the Beatles songs were remade. She is probably the biggest critic of Beatles wanna-bes and she said this was definitely no wanna-be. She obviously knows her stuff and I am going to trust her and myself on this one. Don't listen to the pessimistic people on this review site stating it was boring, etc. because those people are obviously still taking drugs and/or have no fun in their lives. Hey NEGATIVE people, do us all a favor and stay home...
5
Incredible by lin17
I remember seeing the previews to this film and thinking how amazing it looked with the colors, the characters, and especially the music. It ended up being the best movie I have seen in a long time. A few pointers though, if you dont really know The Beatles music and have no taste for unique art then I wouldnt exactly judge it so harshly. Its either you like or you dont. The movie is set in a time in which it displays ten years of our major history- impact of music, tragedy, and peace all in one. To me the best part of this film was the music. I thought it was fanominal. I definetley recommend this film, please go see it..Its a work of art and it was amazing.
5
For fans of good music, love, war, or just hot actors... by spam77
There's something for everyone in Across the Universe. It's set during the Vietnam War and tells the story of young love, mixed passions, fantastic music, art and family.
The revolution of the Beatles' music is well portrayed throughout the movie, and it fits perfectly with the revolutionary war taking place in the film. If you don't like the Beatles, don't worry! The movie has nothing to do with the band and takes the songs to a different level.
There were a few parts of the movie I wish weren't the way they were, but it's all just personl preference.
I've seen it three times, have the delux soundtrack, and I'm anticipating the release of the DVD!!