Iffy for 16+
Intense historical epic is for adults only.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that teens may be interested because Natalie Portman stars, but that the film is too intense for tweens and younger teens. It's loosely based on a particularly violent period of history, perceived by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya. Images of torture (woman hangs naked from the ceiling by her wrists behind her back: very painful looking), rape, emaciated prisoners, riots in the street, soldiers on horseback assaulting crowds, underclass attacking a wealthy man who tries to escape; occasional talk of hanging, decapitation, prostitution, and torture.
- Families can talk about the ways that history is portrayed in fictional movies: How does this movie use Goya's ideas (as well as his paintings and other artwork) to shape its own story of the corruption of the time? You might look at some of Goya's famous "Black Paintings" to see how they compare to images in the film. You can also discuss the idea that art can be used to protest social and political injustice, as Goya tried to use his art. Or you can talk about how the film shows his fight against intolerance.
What to watch for
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Violence: The cruelty of the Spanish Inquisition and then the French Revolution is focused through very specific images of violence: Inés' painful torture (she screams and cries) is matched by the similar torture of Lorenzo, who also collapses emotionally; her abuse in imprison for years results in a devastating loss of weight, teeth, and hair (made very visible); insinuation that Lorenzo rapes Inés (she accepts his embrace, but she's in prison and afraid); discussion of the Revolution (decapitation); crowds loot and cause a ruckus; soldiers ride horses, shoot guns, cause screams and falling bodies; a woman's rape shown briefly; asylum is full of unkempt, beaten-looking inmates; sentenced to death, an Inquistor begs for his life; Goya's head is cut in a scuffle; rebels attack a party of soldiers traveling with women in a wagon; rebels attack Lorenzo.
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Sex: Sexual imagery here is frequently entangled with violence. Inés' torture includes being hung up, naked (explicit image) so her arms are pulled backward; in prison, Lorenzo embraces her, intimating that he also rapes her (off-screen); Alicia is a prostitute (discussions of her appearance and procuring her services); when a woman is raped, her breasts are visible; discussion of prostitution (Lorenzo determines to ship prostitutes to America, references to "whore" and "harlot").
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Language: "Bastard," "whore," "harlot."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Wine drinking by upper classes; bawdy scenes at bars.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
A Searing Portrait of Goya's world by D4Reel
Like a Goya painting, this film doesn't flinch in delivering its dark vision. It's actually more about the time and place in which Goya lived, than the painter himself. The film's portrait of fanaticism, religion and how those two forces played out in the politics of the late 1700's is of course very relevant today. The cast delivers a strong, nuanced performance with Javier Bardem delivering an all-time great performance as Lorenzo. Randy Quaid is also good in a surprising turn as the king of Spain. The film is beautiful to look at, even at its most disturbing moments. Foreman creats a rich, detailed world reminiscent of his work in Amadeus. Its definitely a world worth seeing and experiencing.
5
Remarkable by riviera
This is Just the kind of movie that I like most! It tells the factual story of figures in history and, most appealing to me, one is an artist. It reveals a window through which we view the culture and turmoil of a particular time and place. Through the perspectives of its fascinating characters we observe how each either becomes a victim or a survivor of the changing times in which they live. It seems particularly applicable to our own current struggles with politics, religion and social upheaval.
4
This is not megaplex pablum by theironduke
So, if you read critical reviews, they are right. there is not a clean and simple plot with a clean and simple hero. The gross historical dates are correct, and the portrayal of the Spanish Inquisition, while horrible, is actually not as brutal as the real thing. This director uses the screen like a canvas, and fans of Michael Mann will LOVE this movie.
5
Goya's Ghosts by swyman
Forman's direction and staging are magnificent! The subjects and people depicted by Goya in his sketches, cartoons and portraits come alive in this wonderful movie. Natalie Portman's acting is stupendous, ably support by Bardem and Skarsgard. Randy Quaid as the billious king is wonderful. The Spain of the late 18th and early 19th centuries is quite accurately portrayed, as are the excesses of the Spanish Church of that period. This film is a masterpiece.
4
Goya's Ghosts by KarenEisenbrey
Thought-provoking and beautifully filmed. Do not expect a biopic about Goya. It's about something else: power, self-interest, truth. No one comes off looking admirable, though Inez, at least, does what she does out of the right instincts. Whoever is on top is automatically corrupt and will do whatever they can get away with -- a worthy message for our time.
2
ghosts is ghastly by dcfilmfanatic
went to this movie knowing it had gotten mixed (well, let's face it, mostly poor) reviews and left thinking i should believe what i read. great cast totally misused, too many accents, ridiculous plot. i will go see javier bardem in any movie he's in, but after this, i might have to change it to "almost any." it is beautiful to look at and that's something, but that's about all i can say for it.
5
A Magical Trip Into the Past in Europe... by norm_the_moviegoer
The elements of the Eurpean culture of the past is vividly portrayed in this exceptional movie. The acting is exquisite, and that includes even the minor roles and the many faces in the crowd. Just exceptional in bringing the sights, sounds, color, and some of the horror of this period. Javier Barden, Natalaie Prtman, and Stellan Skarsgard have been wonderfully cast. I loved the movie and the 2 hours went by in a blur...