if you in any way consider yourself a sci-fi movie fan, you must see this movie. Not only is it a classi, but you can see how it influenced so many other sci-fi movies to come. Plus, its perfectly fine for everyone.
The Day the Earth Stood Still
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A sci-fi classic that still resonates.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Day the Earth Stood Still was written by Scott G. Mignola
Parents need to know that Gort the robot might unnerve some sensitive viewers. Man's use of atomic weapons threatens the security of neighboring planets, and, implicitly, our own.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about how the alien Klaatu brings the thought-provoking question of world peace to the screen, and how safe our world is today. How do you think alien visitors would be treated today, in the age of films such as Independence Day?
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More on The Day the Earth Stood Still
What’s the Story?
In this classic 1951 sci-fi film, a charismatic foreigner lands on Earth, determined to deliver a message of peace despite people's fear and distrust. When a flying saucer lands in Washington, D.C., the army cordons it off. Spectators watch as a panel opens and Klaatu, a human-looking alien, emerges. While he declares his peaceful intentions, a trigger-happy soldier shoots him, provoking Klaatu's indestructible robot, Gort, to vaporize the army's entire arsenal. After escaping from the hospital where he's being observed, Klaatu borrows some earth clothes and seeks out the brilliant Professor Barnhardt, to whom he reveals his mission. He has come as an emissary to warn earthlings that their atomic weapons pose a threat to the peace and security of other planets, and that they must disarm or their planet will be "eliminated." But can Klaatu impart his message to all of the nations' representatives before alien paranoia causes panic?
Is It Any Good?
One of the finest science fiction movies of the 1950s, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL retains its impact and its dignity half a century later. Hopefully no one will ever try to remake this movie, because the earnestness that drives it would be near impossible to recapture. The effects, understated and very competent, would resemble those in 1999's soulless Lost in Space. So please, movie-remaking people, leave this one alone!
Michael Rennie's striking posture and stern, hatchet-like face make for a convincing alien. Patricia Neal is also admirable as Helen, the woman who unwittingly boards her spare room to him but then tries to help him. Children will find a character to relate to in Bobby, Helen's young son who finds a father figure in the man from space. Released during the Cold War, this film was a rarity for depicting its otherworldly visitor as an ambassador of peace. Though young viewers may find the robot and spaceship unimpressive by modern standards, Klaatu's mission will engage them, and the message of non-violence could spur good discussions about the importance of world peace.
Movie Details
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox, Director: Robert Wise
Run time: 92 minutes
DVD release: 6/30/1998
MPAA Rating: G for all audiences
Run time: 92 minutes
DVD release: 6/30/1998
MPAA Rating: G for all audiences
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Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on and give it
An absolute classic
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I rate this title on and give it
My favorite since I was a child
I was born in 1953 so I caught this rare gem on TV. Scared me as a child, but was very thought provoking. The acting was great as was the special effects for the day.
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I rate this title on and give it
Fantastic
Day the Earth Stood Still Should be shown once a year to everyone. Topics are big and important to the world. an update should be made every 20 years.
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