OK for kids 16+
Slow-moving, somber drama is too mature for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that most teens probably won't be clamoring to see this slow-moving, somber drama about mature, sometimes abstract themes like capitalism and religion as driving forces in 19th- and early 20th-century America. Violence includes mining and oil well accidents (explosions, flames, a couple of deaths), several fights (hitting and kicking), and a shooting (abrupt and disturbing). The blood referenced in the title comes at the end of the movie, during a protracted, brutal struggle. Some drinking and smoking; language includes "hell" and damn."
- Families can talk about the movie's messages. Is there a clearly defined "good guy" or "bad guy"? Do characters that offer a mix of both qualities more accurately reflect real life? If so, why do you think TV shows and movies don't feature characters like that more often? How are Daniel and Eli both alike and at odds?
The good stuff
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Messages: Daniel, the designated "capitalist," is a greedy, calculating man whose disdain for others only grows more pronounced as the film proceeds; the "man of god" is also conniving and power-mad; at last, Daniel's son breaks away, though he does so by competing with his father in business, exactly what his father hates most.
What to watch for
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Violence: Early on, Daniel is injured in a mining accident (his leg is pierced by a tool, and there's some blood). Several oil drilling accidents, a couple with explosions and flames; two accidents kill workers (brief explosions, bodies shown) and one injures a young boy (his body is slammed and unconscious, and he's left deaf). An angry Daniel slaps and hits H.W. Eli attacks his father, trying to strangle him. Daniel attacks Eli, kicking and hitting him, dragging him into an oil pool. Murder committed by gunfire (no blood visible). Eli slaps Daniel hard and repeatedly during a baptism. A brutal, bloody murder is committed at the film's end.
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Sex: Daniel and Henry visit a brothel -- kissing couples appear in the background.
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Language: Language includes "hell," "damn," and "ass."
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Consumerism: Some thematic commercialism -- the film follows the building of an oil empire.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Daniel quiets infant H.W. by pouring whiskey into his bottle and, years later, gives him whiskey to make him sleep. Daniel drinks repeatedly, several times to the point of passing out; Henry drinks a few times as well. Daniel smokes cigarettes and a pipe, as do his right-hand man and several background characters.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A Masterpiece by collin6554
"There Will Be Blood" is an incredibly polarizing film. Take for example when I saw it with some friends of mine. After the film was over, I applauded. A friend of mine said, "That was stupid. We then proceeded to argue for the rest of the night. The basic thing about "There Will Be Blood" is that you can't go into it expecting to get something out of it. Much like the protagonist, Daniel Plainview (the out of this world Daniel Day-Lewis), this film has nothing to give. All it asks is that you sit back and enjoy the story that the master that is Paul Thomas Anderson is about to unravel for you. Similarly, don't go into this film expecting to be uplifted. My Dad goes to films to be uplifted, and he left this one sorely disappointed. All that said, this is an absolute masterpiece that will very soon be counted amongst the top films of all time. "I drink your milkshake! I drink it up! DRAINAGE!"
5
Best movie of the year. by badhorsie
This movie shows just how involving character acting can be. Not for someone who wants to see explosions or "Rush Hour", but made for those who appreciate a good artistic approach to movie making. Daniel Day-Lewis transforms into a character that simply dominates the film from beginning to end. His presence alone is so good, that for the first 10 or so minutes of the film, there isn't even any audible dialogue; just his acting and showing the roots of how he becomes Daniel Planview, the oil man. So precise, that when he signs his name on a document, he uses a writing style of the period of the film. I knew in the first few minutes of the film that I wanted to see it again, and will do so. The only drawback of the entire piece could be said of the dissonant, and at times, iritating score. I left out musical when describing the score on purpose. Even though the film is 2hrs 38 minutes, it goes by rather quickly, and I left wanting more.
5
A Love it or Hate it Movie... by vizionquest
This is one of those movies that you will either love or hate. If you are a person that likes deep character developments, plots that mostly involve character interactions, and plots that aren't tied up at the end (think Sopranos fade to black), then this movie is for you. If you don't like any of the above, then don't see this movie!! I personally really liked the movie because I like movies that delve into characters, but this might be a bear for people to sit through for people that like action packed movies. A 2 hour and 40 minute bear sitting on your lap top be exact. Overall I would recommend this movie if you have a rainy Sunday afternoon to burn and then talk about it over an early dinner. A good discussion can be had about the moral compass of the main characters. Daniel Day Lewis was Phenomenal as usual and Paul Dano was quite a nice surprise.
5
epic by allezallez
Strange, hauntingly beautiful film shot and told on an epic scale. PTA's visual instincts are ON and he takes his time unfolding them without any fancy camera moves or technojunk.
DDLewis is riveting and despite what others have said I think Paul Dano holds his ground in his portrayal of Eli Sunday.
It sticks with you...like a person you just met at a party and hope to run into again.
5
Much More Than Blood by amamoviecritic
Clearly an adaptation of Upton Sinclair?s work, Oil, with threads of Giant, Elmer Gantry, and Gangs of New York emoting from a deep character study of a man spinning into moral decay and corruption as he gains in wealth and ill-gotten power. Daniel Day-Lewis is clearly the man for the role and he appears completely absorbed in the character of Daniel Plainview, believably evolving into a wretched and disturbed shell of a person as he systematically sheds himself of anything that would keep his self-absorption from seizing control. With the fine exception of Paul Dano sparring nicely as Eli Sunday, a rather dismal, power-hungry character himself (whom we later climatically see
oops, a spoiler averted), the rest are appendages to Daniel Day-Lewis? romp in mania. He starts and remains intense and consistently a man willing to sacrifice anything and anyone, including any vestiges of humanity within himself, to accomplish his goal of ?success.?
4
Unexpectedly riveting by movie_doc
I went to this movie after my wife convinced me. Never liked Daniel Day Lewis. Didn't care for Last of the Mohicans or any other of his movies. But we were mesmerized! This movie was compelling from start to finish. Great period piece. Lewis' performance was impeccable as an eccentric oil tycoon. You found yourself wondering his next move at every turn. A bit long; however each scene was necessary. Couldn't stop thinking about it. I am writing this review a MONTH later!
2
There will be boredom by damob
Well that time is gone from my life never to be had again. Left the cinema uninspired, unentertained and even uneducated. Sure Daniel Day-Lewis puts in a good performance, but the quirky character was similar to what I have seen from him before in Gangs of NY. Maybe wait for DVD, or even TV. But then again, critics love it???
5
Brilliant and Very Complex by modern_horrorshow
This movie was a brilliant piece that focused itself on the dynamic character acted out by Daniel Day-Lewis. I cannot divulge too much information, for one, because you must see this for yourself, but even more so...I need to see it again. Much like the recently released No Country For Old Men, there is much to absorb and analyze (more so in Blood). At 2+ hours, it covers a deal of cinematic ground and as well as a slew events in the life of the film's main character and some of the supporting roles. I must warn you that this film will not satisfy the average moviegoer. You must enter with an open mind and leave this film in though and hopefully some spirited conversation.
5
Cream of the Crop by TroceroQuijas
The last movie I seen that was this good was Lawrence of Arabia. Yeah theres thousands of good movies, but few great. This one is truely Great. This is what filmaking is all about. This is Art. Possibly my favorite movie ever.
1
Absolutely Worst Movie of All Time by goodmoviesgonebad
Okay, I normally don't have a problem watching movies that have deep meaning or requires thinking. But for goodness sake, I can't believe this movie was so hyped up!! Was this movie ever even #1 at the box office at anytime?? This movie was a drag, (almost) as exciting as watching butter melt. Entire waste of money. And it is long as heck. I kept waiting for it to turn the corner and become interesting, but it never happened. It is not that original or clever, its about a crazy money hungry man that looks for oil and betrays anyone in his way. Oh yeah, it really takes a genius to come up with this plot line! The acting was okay but I came to the movies to be entertained, not fall asleep. I never write reviews, but this one was just so, so bad that I felt it was my job to warn you. Many of the critics out there that recommend this movie must be losing it. Do yourself a favor and don't watch this movie, you will feel violated and ripped off afterwards. WORST MOVIE OF ALL-TIME!