Iffy for 13+
Compelling drama takes on big life questions.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this moving, memorable film is a compelling exploration of life, death, and the enduring power of love. Despite such weighty subjects, older teens -- whose interest may initially be piqued by star Brad Pitt -- will likely find it engrossing, and even touching. Younger viewers, on the other hand, could be overwhelmed by the mature themes. Expect some sexual innuendo and nonexplicit clinches, swearing (including infrequent use of "f--k"), a sequence that includes a bit of bloody violence, and period-accurate smoking and drinking.
- Families can talk about the movie's messages. What is it attempting tosay about life, love and death? Are these messages relatable, even though the basic premise is pure fantasy?
- Do you think this movie could have been made without advanced specialeffects and computer techniques? How is this movie different from otherHollywood films, especially those that rely on more obvious effects?
- What do you think it would be like to grow up with thezest of youth masked by an aged body?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie's unique premise is ultimately used to convey messages about the flexible nature of family, the importance of approaching life with curiosity and enthusiasm, and the joys -- and pains -- of true love.
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Role models: Because of his unusual upbringing and unconventional family, Benjamin grows up with much compassion. He's also very curious about the world and the people in it. He and Daisy have a rocky relationship, but it's clear that they care deeply about each other. A man abandons his baby on the steps of a nursing home, but a young womanrescues the baby and raiseshim. Some characters tease the child for his condition, but for the most part, people are kind and accepting.
What to watch for
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Violence: A tugboat happens upon a battle at sea. Dead bodies are everywhere, with the water bloody from the corpses; the enemy fires at it. The captain is shot, and blood oozes from his chest. Some characters fire guns; there are also loud arguments.
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Sex: A man stands in his skivvies in front of a mirror. Some non-explicit scenes of a couple making love; in one segment, they appear to be naked under a sheet. A boy, who looks like an old man, visits a brothel filled with scantily clad women. After some time alone with a woman (not shown on screen), he appears to have enjoyed himself thoroughly. Lovers kiss passionately. A young woman discusses having casual sex.
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Language: Some cursing, including "bastard," "goddamn," "ass,""s--tless," and, infrequently, "f--k."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some drinking, a few times to the point of inebriation. A kid, albeit one who looks older, gets drunk. Some smoking (mostly era-accurate).
Fan Reviews provided by
4
well, it's not fitzgerald by eyeful
a weak "go"
the short story is a favorite of mine.
i was dubious about a film adaptation because the central character in the story isn't exactly sympathetic.
well i don't have to worry now, because this film bears no resemblance (save the main theme about aging backwards) to the book in the slightest. the wit and satire of Fitzgerald's story are replaced by typical hollywood soppy sentimentality.
brad does a fine job, given the material. it's pretty to look at as you'd might expect although a little plodding and meandering.
tilda and cate are on par as per usual, and it's these ladies that got me to go see this in the theatre in the first place.
it's worth it if you're a fan of theirs and have nothing better to do.
1
Benjamin Suckin by apairofshorts
From the time it started, I wished it would end... But noooo, it kept going and going and going for 3 hours. There was so much that could have been cut out. This Benjamin Button had such a terribly bland life. He was born old, lived in a senior citizen home, and was in love with a 7 year old. I think some pedophile wrote the screenplay in prison. The only entertaining character was the man who was struck by lightening seven times. The plot was unrealistic, and it was excruciatingley boring. Seven out of seven of us gave this movie a thumbs down. I am considering calling the police to report a crime. This movie robbed me of 3 hours of my life that I will never get back!! If you care about yourself and your loved ones, you will avoid this movie at all costs. Trust me, stairing at a wall for 3 hours would be much more entertaining!
4
Ben Button by KSJEn
I saw The Curious case of Benjamin Button last night, and found it to be a good movie.
The beginning was a bit slower then I like and at 170 minutes long, slow beginnings are not always good movies... However, that is not the case with this one. This movie touches on many facets of human challenges, endeavors and how we cope with what life gives us to deal with it. This movie is not just about Ben Buttons life, but also the people who taught him about life and what life offers us on a daily basis regardless of our upbringings, regardless of the challenges, regardless of our outcomes, and most importantly to achieve our highest potentials by never giving up on ourselves. It touches on many types of "If's" "would have's" "could have's" and how sometimes we sacrifice certain truths about our lives to protect those we love and/or who have loved us enough to give us something better then what we might have had otherwise.
In short, it is about the common threads we share in life.
5
My review of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by jwelch5742
This movie was very good. Wonderful Performances for Brad Pitt. It got great Makeup, Art Direction,Visual Effects, and Screenplay.
5
Exceeded expectations! Was absolutely fantastic. by ThisisJustLizzz
I really wanted to see the movie, so decided why the heck not go to the earliest show today.
It being Christmas Day, I was expecting the theater to be a ghost town. It was about 75% full.
The story is very engrossing. Brad Pitt turns in some of the finest acting of his career. Cate Blanchett is good as well. It is filmed & put together so beautifully! I loved the character of Queenie as well. All of the actors in the movie really made you FEEL it.
Anyone who compares this movie to Forrest Gump is a little slow. There are some SUBTLE similarities, which you would expect as the screenplays were written by the same person, but this movie is different.
I can't say enough how enjoyable it was! I laughed, I cried, I got mad, I was happy... it was great!
This is an epic film- well written, acted and directed. It is easily one of the best films this year. I cant wait to see it again, which is saying something because it was 2 hours and 45 minutes long & I didn't mind!!
5
Amazing!! by Mbell75
Pay no attention to the people saying this is a long and boring movie. They are obviously the kind of people who need 90 min movies with explosions and other mindless garbage to entertain them. For us grownups who enjoy unique stories, great acting and wonderful directing, this is a movie for you. David Fincher is one of my favorite directors and really shows off his talents here in directing a sprawling and emotional epic. By far one of the best movies of the year and should be nominated for best picture and director. Go see it!
5
Curiously Stunning by Mommy2V
My husband and I agree, this was one of the best movies of the year. Reminiscent of Forrest Gump, it was an epic tale of love and life that is a must see. We laughed out loud a number of times and I found myself crying more than once. Brad Pitt was the only choice for this role. He was superb. He most definitely deserves an award for this role. I am not usually a Cate Blanchett fan, but I must say, she blew us away. This movie was a tale for the ages. It is not often that a story comes along that has never been told before and we were delighted to have chosen this as our traditional Christmas day movie. But, hey, don't take our word or anyone else's on these reviews. Check it out for yourself and you be the judge. For me and my husband personally, we loved it. It was a wonderful way to spend Christmas afternoon and we will be lining up when it comes out on DVD to own this wonderful film.
Happy Holidays to all! :)
5
Ben Button by Richmi
I read several pages of reviews for this film before I went to see it earlier this evening. Now that I've seen it I must say that there must be human beings on this planet that have some quality that others do not have, because I can't imagine someone seeing this and not being touched in some way. It was nice to get away from pictures full of violence and explosions and be given the opportunity to go deeply inside and feel other emotions brought on by humans doing the beautiful things that humans have every ability to do, but so often don't.
When you can watch a film and forget about the actors and instead become enraptured by the characters you know that they did a great job. There are so many details about this film that go unnoticed, and yet together they produce something beautiful and moving. I'm glad it was as long as it was because the feelings it evoked made me not want it to end.
5
What a wonderful way to spend time with my family by americanfem
The layout of the story would be difficult to believe had the cast not fully believed in their characters! However they do (!) and this makes for a very entertaining time! I am aware that for someone to grow young is completely unreal. That said so is every movie that isn't a documentary. I wanted to go to the movies with my family and be entertained. I was NOT disappointed. Brad and Kate did bring this film to life and it was done so beautifully! It truly was like a fabulous painting or how everyone wishes their family's home video's would turn out; always capturing the most beautiful scenes even when those scenes happen to be tragic or sad. Everyone left the theater satisfied.
5
Life's Lessons -- by fgross
And so many of them! I hope this movie won't be lost on the young ... like Daisy admitted to having been when she was 26. There's so much knowledge in this Great Big MOVIE! A hanky won't do, you must bring a box (but don't let that keep you from this glorious movie)! The acting is indescribably fantastic. It brings you with them and carries you all the way thru the story. A story of life and love with lots of heart.