Iffy for 16+
Nic Cage thriller is violent, with iffy messages.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Seeking Justice is a "deal with the devil"-type paranoid thriller in which the main character tries to correct his mistake but can't trust anyone -- and resorts to plenty of illegal activities even while trying to make things "right." Violence includes a rape (which is more suggested than shown), as well as guns, fighting, some blood, and death. A teacher punches a large, tough-looking teen student in one scene. There's one quick but strongly suggestive sex scene (no nudity). Language isn't constant but includes several uses of "f--k" and "s--t." Minor characters are shown getting drunk. Except for die-hard Nicolas Cage fans, this movie will only spark a passing interest in most teens.
- Families can talk about Seeking Justice's violence. What's suggested, and what's actually shown? Which is more shocking?
- What does a "Faustian" deal -- a "deal with the devil" -- mean? What were Will's choices? What are the consequences of each choice? What are some other examples of Faustian deals?
- Simon's organization was seemingly designed to accomplish justice and stop crime when the police failed. Is this right or wrong? What's the difference between justice and law?
- After the main character tries to set thing right again, he still steals and bribes people. Do the ends ever justify the means?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie looks at a "deal with the devil" -- involving violence and revenge -- that goes awry and the subsequent ethical choices made to set things right again. But while the main character's intentions are at least somewhat admirable, his methods aren't.
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Role models: The main character makes an ethical choice, but only after he has made a terrible decision involving revenge and murder. He regrets it and finds himself unable to pull off the illegal and immoral acts asked of him in return. But even to set things right, he's forced to steal, bribe people, and perform other sordid acts.
What to watch for
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Violence: A woman is raped, though the act is suggested more than shown; viewers see her afterward, in the hospital, covered in cuts and bruises. Later, she's kidnapped and held at gunpoint. Minor characters are killed, smashed by cars, and fall from heights. Guns are drawn, and characters are shot. Some blood is shown. Lots of chases, in cars and on foot; also fights and punching -- a teacher punches a large, tough-looking teen.
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Sex: The main couple has one sex scene in bed, under the covers. No nudity is shown, but there's kissing and thrusting.
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Language: "F--k" is used about half a dozen times, and "s--t" is said a few times as well. Other words include "goddamn," "hell," and "bitch." "Jesus" is also used as an exclamation.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some journalists are shown getting drunk at a colleague's memorial service. The main characters have glasses of wine with dinner (no drunkenness).
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Seeking Justice well justified by popcorngodfather
Was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it espeially given the recent flops that Nicholas Cage has been in. Lots of twists and turns and surprises kept me guessing and totally interested throughout the film. Definitely 3 stars out of 4
4
Roger Ebert is wrong! by Susan Brown
I usually agree with Mr. Ebert, but he got it wrong. This was a very entertaining movie that kept you guessing. Of course it wasn't believable. That isn't necessary. Sometimes the critics need to relax and just experience the movies instead of picking them apart. Don't worry Mr. Ebert, I'll continue to check in with you before going to the theater.
4
Interesting and Quite Plausible by mlwilson514
I enjoyed the movie and so did my husband, son and daughter-in-law. In fact we could even relate to the temptation to seek personal justice. I don't know what problems the critics have with the movie because it is certainly well acted--Nicholas Cage is usually quite good (and was this time as well) and January Jones and company did a good job. Further, it has a plausible plot, and while violent, not nearly so violent as it could have been. Too bad it is in such limited release, because it's a lot better than many of the currently playing movies.
5
Great movie +++ by trinojlugo
Excelent actor nicholas cage
3
seeking justice by hbjeff
Very predictable it was just ok for me
4
Seeking Justice review
MUST GO! Great movie!