not for kids
Oliver Stone thriller is all about sex, drugs, violence.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Savages (from director Oliver Stone) is about two drug dealers who share the same girlfriend (Gossip Girl's Blake Lively) and must rescue her after she's kidnapped by a powerful cartel. There are strong sex scenes, one scene of full-frontal nudity by a minor female character, and lots of pot smoking, as well as some drinking and cigarette smoking. You can also expect graphic violence, including women being kidnapped and held prisoner (with sexual assault implied), guns and shooting, lots of blood, severed heads, brains blown out, exploding cars, a man being tortured and burned alive, and many dead bodies. Language is also strong, with uses of "f--k" and other words throughout.
- Families can talk about Savages' strong violence. Is it necessary to the story? How does the impact of this kind of violence compare to what you see in horror and action movies?
- How does the movie portray sex and relationships? Can O really love both of them equally? Can they both love her equally and not feel jealous?
- Can Ben be considered a role model? Does his helping others help erase the destructive, illegal, and immoral things he does?
The good stuff
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Messages: Characters work together to solve a problem, but at the same time, their behavior is hugely destructive and unhealthy.
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Role models: One of the characters, Ben, occasionally dabbles in humanitarian aid, working toward clean energy and water for African nations. But he's also a drug dealer and user and engages in destructive and unhealthy behavior.
What to watch for
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Violence: Strong, brutal violence, with lots of blood and shooting. Viewers see severed heads and spattering brains. Two girls are kidnapped and treated roughly. Implied sexual assault. A man is tortured and burned alive. Lots of fighting and punching and exploding cars. Several characters die.
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Sex: The lead female sleeps with the two leading men alternately and claims to love them both. There are two graphic sex scenes, but neither has much nudity. A minor female character appears naked (full frontal) in one scene.
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Language: "F--k" is used frequently. Also "s--t," "God," "ass," "a--hole," "damn," "goddamn," "t-ts," "d--k," and derogatory language like "f----t," "Jap," and "sand n--ger."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The main characters are drug dealers (pot) and drug users, so the whole story revolves around drugs. Characters are seen smoking pot and getting high in several scenes. Characters also drink beer and harder alcohol and are seen smoking cigarettes.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
It was okay, but not as good as I anticipated by Maryam13
The title says it, but I'll break it down. Everyone was pretty good, but Del Toro definitely carried the film along with Hayek. Travolta was surprisingly great and seemed to have fun with his role. I would say that the most useless person (not character) was Blake Lively. Any blond skinny actor who has a tan could have played this role, especially since her acting is eh. The film seemed to go on too long and became a bit convoluted at times. Also, there were some parts (mainly the ending) that I found all wrong. If I had known then what I know now, I would have waited.
1
Awful Awful Awful Awful by severon
Only redeeming thing was John Travolta's performance. I enjoyed the idea to humanize the bad guys, but like the poster for Savages, this movie is a movie with an identity crysis that plays out in a way that makes me want to stab someone to death. Was so happy to see it end.
5
Savages by loumendez
After 2 earlier movies that were considered so-so, Stone excelled himself with Savages.... The story quite realistic, the actors very good... more focus on the story development by the actors themselves - less the grandstanding.
3
How Bad Endings Can Outweigh Good Acting (No Spoilers) by Reel Reviewer
When the story is good-not-great it is typically the acting that will make or break the film. Hint: Typically. In "Savages" you find yourself admiring the work of the established and the up-and-coming, yet the final fifteen minutes ruin all their hard work. In what is becoming the "Summer of Taylor Kitsch" we see another good performance from him, but Aaron Johnson of "Kick Ass" fame probably has a brighter career ahead of him. del Toro and Travolta both turn in inspired performances under Oliver Stone's directoral return to the more gritty films we have enjoyed from him. The star, however, is Salma Hayek. How she can still make Blake Lively, who also put in a solid role as the lover of two friends, play second fiddle in looks is remarkable And her work here as the head of a Mexican cartel is absolutely delightful to watch. The story is a bit slow to start, drags along at times and simply seems preposterous at others, but it will carry you through to an ending that is simply ruinous.
3
Stiffs by fosdick
Ridiculous, laugh-out loud dialogue in a confoundingly stupid script with lead actors suited best for high school dramas, this movie is most appropriately viewed as a comedy. Thankfully, that's pretty clearly how Benicio Del Toro and John Travolta saw it, because their scenes, especially theirs together, are the best in the film. Lots of great violence and pretty, mostly naked young bodies help too, but, otherwise, as they say, meh.
3
I wanted to say Go, but I couldn't by Moviewatcher907
It was a close call not to say Go, but there were things in the movie that just turned me off. Like in their meeting with the notorious drug cartel, the tough guy partner says the insulting comment about the caviar, I thought that was ridiculous and stupid. And when the girl was held by the cartel, she complained about eating pizza all the time, I guess this was supposed to be humorous, but I took it as ridiculous. The romantic threesome bothered me also. And the ending could of been better. The violence was anticipated. Most of the movie was pretty good except for these things.
2
What a disappointment by cmrtnz02
Such a good cast, such a shady movie. could have done with one hour less of the movie. maybe the first hour should have been cut off. needless to say, I would not recommend it....
2
Could have been a good movie by jodina
I liked the build up at the beginning but felt like nothing happened to finish or even start the build up. I was waiting for something to happen all the way to the end. Also I felt like there was way too much harsh violence which was not necessary based on the story line. Liked the three main characters, that was about it. Ending was very confusing and disappointing.
3
It's OK by starrcm
When watching the movie, I felt like Oliver Stone was trying to go back in time and bring back the feel he had in "Natural Born Killers". I personally felt like it fell short. The dynamics between the 3 main characters gave it a little depth, but not much. About half way through most people will figure out what might happen. Blake Lively and John Travolta did not add much value to the movie at all. Bencio did a pretty good job, but it might be too little to late, I am not sure people will be knocking down his door to get him in movies again, though he pretty much saved this one in my eyes. This is not a bad movie, but unless you are a die hard Oliver Stone fan, you can probably wait until this one comes out at the Redbox.
It is pretty violent, so I would not suggest taking your children.
4
Savages - Outstanding!....A must see! by yankeeramrod
This movie was well thought out and well directed! The acting was superb! The plot kept you asking for more...no falling asleep in this movie!