not for kids
Tarantino's slavery tale is uneven and brutal but brilliant.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Django Unchained comes from writer/director Quentin Tarantino, and if you've seen any of his other films, you know what that means: incredibly strong, shocking "grindhouse" violence and language. Django Unchained (which takes place in Deep South in the mid-1800s) not only features guns, shooting, killing, and spurting blood, but also horrible violence against slaves. Male slaves are forced to fight each other, breaking bones and bashing each other into a bloody pulp. A female slave is briefly tortured, and a male slave is ripped apart by dogs. The "N" word is used countless times, as are other Tarantino favorites ("f--k," etc.). There's some partial nudity (both male and female) and kissing, as well as some cigarette smoking and background drinking. The good news is that this movie takes a matter-of-fact look at slavery, which may get discussions going among older teens and families. But otherwise, this movie is very brutal and not recommended for the under-18 set.
- Families can talk about Django Unchained's brutal violence. Why do you think Tarantino chose to make the violence so intense and bloody? What effect does it have on the movie overall?
- How does the movie depict slavery during the pre-Civil War era? What does this movie show that other movies set during that period don't show? Do you think it's exploitative, or will it get meaningful conversations started?
- Why do you think actors are attracted to these kinds of vicious roles? What's appealing about them?
The good stuff
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Messages: On the one hand, Django Unchained looks at slavery in a matter-of-fact way -- in a way that many other American movies have avoided -- and it could get discussion going about that part of American history. But on the other hand, the movie is largely about killing and revenge, with no real redemption or lessons learned.
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Role models: Django Unchained is populated mainly by killers and scoundrels, people who are hateful and seeking revenge or are looking out for their own interests. One character agrees to help another out of what seems to be friendship, but this small act is more or less lost in the grand scheme of brutality.
What to watch for
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Violence: In addition to explosive shootouts and killings with massive quantities of spurting blood, the movie shows shocking mistreatments of slaves; male slaves are forced to fight one another, breaking bones and bashing each other to a bloody pulp, and a female slave is tortured in a "hot box" for several days. A slave is ripped apart by dogs while people watch. A man is murdered in front of his young son. Slaves are branded.
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Sex: Partial nudity includes one female breast and two naked men (not full frontal, though nudity is definitely suggested). Django and his wife share a passionate kiss in one scene. There's a good deal of flirting and sexual tension and some innuendo (such as a reference to "comfort girls").
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Language: Very strong language throughout includes nonstop use of the "N" word; possibly the most ever used in a high-profile film. Other words include "f--k," "motherf---er," "s--t," "p---y," "t-ts," "goddamn," "ass," "damn," "hell," "bastard," "bitch," "goddamn," "oh my God," and more.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adult characters smoke cigarettes in a background way. The two main characters sip at two beers in a saloon. Characters drink stronger alcohol in a social setting.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Outstanding by amiratlanta78
This is one of Tarantino's best if not the best. Fantastic acting by everyone, honestly. Jamie Foxx was good on so many levels. Christoph Waltz brought his character to life and was outstanding. Leonardo DiCaprio proved again why he's probably the best actor in a generation. What he did with his character was amazing. Having these three interact on screen was a high point in film over the past few years.
The story was really good. Use of drama, suffering, and comedy was masterful.
5
JUST WOW! by Simba42
As someone who is a writer and takes the art of movie making as serious as I do the entertainment value, Django reaches new dimensions. Jamie Fox has always been talented but the combination of a "Save the cat script" an epic love story and tremendous performences by Di caprio and Samuel L all you can do is watch in amazment. Quniten was able to take the serious and historical nature of slavery and parse it with a fast paced love story for the ages. A true classic in any sence. Grab some popcorn, soda and use the bathroom it is a long one but well worth the climactic coposition. By far the best move I have seen in a long time and I do not say that lightly. I intend on seeing it many times over!
5
Dynamite! (The "D" ain't silent) by MedRed
If you like Tarantino movies, you will love Django. There is gratuitous violence, blood, and swearing. Django is not for the squeamish. There's also 109 instances of the N word... Django is not for the easily offended.
Jamie Foxx, DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, and Samuel L. Jackson absolutely nail their performances. Strap yourselves in for a wild ride. There are a few slow spots, but as a whole the plot is unpredictable and extremely exciting.
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5
Django Unchained by KenFisher
Saw it on Christmas Day, with three others. We all loved it. Very exceptional. Great entertainment, really great action. Spell binding. Did not seem like a long movie. Controversial theme pulled together well, amazing piece of work. Can't wait to see it again. Language and action make this a definite mature audience event.
5
Tarrentino Doesn't Disappoint by Nutt32
Once Again one of the greatest film makers of our time has blessed us with another great film. He casted the perfect characters and if you like action, westerns, or a good store this movie doesn't dissapoint. I apologize for forgetting his name but the character that played the "Jew Hunter" in Tarrentiono's other film was excellent. His character was witty and great. Also DJANGO couldn't of been casted better. This movie was just a fun ride all the way through. I heard some people complaining about the run time before the movie but during the whole movie I didn't see anyone leave the theatre because they didn't want to miss a minute. I caint recommend a better must see movie out right now.
5
Do not Listen to the Critics Go See it for yourself by Feegibson
This is a must go see despite what the critics say. Jamie Foxx, Samuel Jackson, Leonardo D. and Christopher Waltz were all outstanding. Jamie might get a oscar nod for this.The acting was great with a comedic flare. Cinematography is good but bloody at times. This is one of Terantino's best films. It is somewhat graphic at times and a little bloody but that is Terantino;s MO. A must see; for yourself and you be the judge; do not listen to the critics. It does depict the brutality of slavery but don't get mad just remember how far we have come. In closing for the ladies it is one scene in the movie that will give a new appreciation for Jamie Foxx if you know what I mean.
5
Prime, vintage Tarantino. A classic by HoodCritic1
An conventional story, over-the-top brutal carnage, a plot laced with the theme of revenge, can it get anymore signature from visionary director Quentin Tarantino? This has Oscar-magnet written all over it as Tarantino has delivered one of his finest films in years in terms of screenplay, direction, and execution to the letter. The cast was outstanding. Foxx, DiCaprio, Waltz, Jackson and Washington were all stupendous but Tarantino himself was the true star of the show for his screenplay was truly original and his vision just bursted to life from start to finish. One of the best films of 2012.
5
Clint Eastwood Would Be Proud!!! by middekmovie
Love, Love, Love this movie!! Quintin Tarintino has truly brought back the good old fashioned spaghetti western, and managed to bring it up to date with modern music that fit the movie to a Tee! Although it is no Good The Bad & The Ugly, this movie has it all, although if you are afraid of the sight of blood you might want to wear red glasses so you won't notice all of the gore. What I can say is that with all of the hoopla in regards to Quintin having to apologize for the violence in this movie, what I can say is that the movie is very true of the times, and also is no different for our times than the Good The Bad & The Ugly was for it's time. All of the Characters where well suited by the acters that portrayed them, and I truly believe that this is one of the best westerns that I have seen in a long time. I truly this that this will be in the lines of a Kill Bill type of movie and will be come a cult classic.. 5 Stars and a MUST SEE!!!
5
Outrageously Twisted Spaghetti Western by Elainemkeller
Director Quentin Tarantino crafts an outrageously twisted spaghetti western - complete with ingenious characters played by the best-of-the-best actors. If you're a fan of Tarantino, you'll love this movie: Jam packed with over-the-top violence and improbability, the nearly three-hour movie leaves you exhausted. Exhausted, yet satisfied. Satisfied because you got to see a movie worth the ticket price. It's entertaining, and it's art.