OK for kids 15+
Intense, masterful political thriller OK for older teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this deftly written and directed tale of political intrigue will likely thrill fans of the genre, including older teens. It includes some swearing and brief nudity, and addresses mature subjects such as war crimes and terrorism. Another note: The director, Roman Polanski, is a controversial auteur who is in the news right now. He stands accused of sexually coercing a child many decades ago and leaving the country to avoid prosecution. This movie has nothing to do with his trial and legal situation.
- Families can talk about what other recourse the ghostwriter has once he finds himself stuck in the middle of a scandal. What else could he have done? How else should he have responded?
- What about the political issues brought up by the film? Is what the prime minister accused of actually a war crime?
- The director, Roman Polanski, is embroiled in a huge scandal, accused of a crime -- rape -- committed long ago. Should this situation have any bearing on his work? Is his art separate from his private life?
The good stuff
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Messages: No injustice will go unnoticed. Eventually the truth will come out, but the movie implies that there is always a cost to telling the hard truths and exposing injustice.
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Role models: The lead character, the ghost writer, starts off as indifferent, but soon becomes committed to uncovering the truth, but no good deed goes unpunished and most everyone seems in on this cruel joke.
What to watch for
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Violence: A dead man’s body washes ashore. Another character is mugged (no weapons flashed, though he’s punched). A menacing feel sits over the movie, as a character races to solve the murder of another character. A man is shot.
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Sex: A man sleeps with his married client; his naked backside is briefly glimpsed in the semi-dark. The couple is seen under the covers with their shoulders bared. A married man is implied to be having an affair with a member of his staff.
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Language: A few mentions of “f--k,” though most of the swear words heard here are milder, such as “s--t” and “goddamn.”
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Consumerism: Logos for such firms as BMW, Virgin Air and CNN are clearly visible in various scenes.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink, sometimes during social occasions, and others, specifically to drown out sorrows/frustrations. A mention of marijuana use during college.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Going to go out on a limb here.... by lovestalentmoviefan
and say,it was good,but not as great as people and critics are saying. Convincing and talented acting,suspenseful enough tale and nice score (although somewhat misleading in areas). What keeps it from being a must go for me: Not enough back story to all the tension,or at least,scenes between the characters whose relationships were so filled with animosity,namely PM and wife, wife and personal assistant. The stereo typical old man Ewan 'happened' to run into on his clue seeking bike ride was somewhat contrived. Wife's perf:great, BUT-ok,we got that she was angry and unsatisfied,but she overplayed it. No variety in her character. I guess I just wanted more of how things got to the point they were,than simply the main reveal which got to sink in for maybe 5 minutes,before the unfulfilling and too abrupt conclusion. So,for me it is a go movie,but for the average moviegoer, it is very good,but waiting for dvd is advised money wise. Clean.
5
Ghost Writer by Miskin121
Liked it. Acting and directing great. Recommend it for adult audiences. Cinematography and music were excellent.
5
Ghost Writer by kmaclay
Moody, suspenseful film acted and filmed to perfection!
5
Must see for Alfred Hitchcock afficinados by jvogel9769
Extremely suspensefull in the style of the Hitchcock classics. You will never believe the ending. Great performances by the star studded cast.
5
THE GHOST WRITER by kbg cineaste
A terrific, engaging, intelligent and unpredictable thriller from Roman Polanski with all of the requisite tension and dread that his artistry can summon from even the most banal or mundane activities. This film features rich terrific, sometimes cheeky performances and is genuinely worth the ride! Is it as great as Chinatown, Repulsion or Rosemary's Baby? Well no, but then I can't think of much that is! Clearly and masterfully directed and shot, what is most impressive is the nuanced and contradictory nature of the performance details which accumulate beautifully. Fascinating that this opens in NYC the same weekend as SHUTTER ISLAND. I found both, while flawed, very compelling indeed!
2
Don't waste your money and a good night out on this flick! by CleveMovies
I can't believe all of the positive ratings for this movie. My wife and I saw it and thought it was terrible. I was so bored during the movie that I watched the movie guy checking out the Exit Door at the theater; it was way more interesting than the movie. Do NOT go see this movie. If you rent the DVD, you'll have plenty of time to go grab a beer, take out the dog, do some grocery shopping and take out the trash. When you come back in, you can pick it up right where you left off.....enjoy and don't say I didn't tell you so.......
4
what? by leshandfriends
It was a great movie up until the end.What a weak way to finish a film.It is almost as if they ran out of money and suddenly had to end the film.
5
Ghost Writer by selmaadele
Brilliantly acted, photographed and directed. So tautly told, your attention will be riveted for the entire 2 hours and 8 minutes. Powerful commentary on recent history, too.
1
BORING SLOW IRRITATING NO START UP by Say It Isnt So
PIERCE BROSNAN HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED AT TRUE GEISERHOOD WHICH WAS A BIG TURN OFF. BOYISH LOOKS WITH A GEISER DRAWL YUK. GET A FACE LIFT BROS! THE MOVIE NEVER GOT MOVING. MY POPCORN WAS MORE INTERESTING, THE POPCORN WAS MISSING SALT AND BUTTER. THE MOVIE WAS MISSING SPARK AND REALISM. IF I HADN'T FELL ASLEEP I WOULD HAVE WALKED OUT.
3
nice but slow by dallaspa
I like twists and turns but when they don't make a lot of senseyou can get lost & loose interest in the movie. Up until former president stepped off the plane I thought HE was dead & that did not make sense. Overall, it was OK