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Across the Universe

(2007, Rated PG-13, Musical, Starring Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Beatles musical hits strong notes amid sex, drugs.

updated 10.16.08

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Characters plot ways to dodge the draft, sneak into the country illegally, and question the government (though all for reasons they deem noble -- i.e. to stop the Vietnam War). There's kindness between Lucy and Jude, even when they're at odds, and Jude and Max form a very strong and loyal friendship.
  • Violence :

    Soldiers shoot at others during the Vietnam War; cops shoot at looters and beat protesters (one main character is bloodied); anti-war extremists build bombs; a quarrel between two men turns physical.
  • Sex :

    Artistic scenes show two lovers floating in water, naked and kissing; they're also shown in bed (under the covers), waking up together, and locked in passionate embraces a handful of times (deep French kissing). Two scenes show bare breasts, and men's backsides are visible as well. Passing references to promiscuity.
  • Language:

    Runs the gamut from "bastard" to "s--t" and "f--k."
  • Consumerism:

    The film is inspired by Beatles music. Some labels of alcoholic beverages get screen time.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Characters smoke pot and use psychedelic drugs. They also drink quite a bit, from beer to hard liquor.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Across the Universe

Parents need to know that although there's much to like about this Beatles-inspired musical -- it's visionary, it introduces young audiences to iconic songs, and it addresses important social issues -- some of the content is iffy for teens. Characters drink and take drugs without any negative consequences, and there are a few nude scenes (though they're artfully staged and echo the deep love between main characters Lucy and Jude). Still, teens are likely to relate to the film's powerful messages about the importance of friendships and the need to question authority when lives are at stake.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the Beatles' music defined a generation. Are the songs as relevant today as when they first became famous? What about their music makes it so universal? Families can also discuss the counter-culture movement of the 1960s and '70s. Are young people as involved with politics today as they were then? Or does that kind of passion only happen in movies anymore? Do you think that era tends to get idealized today? Why or why not?
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  • What did you think about Across the Universe?
  •  I think this movie is

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See all 35 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

    I LOVE THIS MOVE!!!!!!!! I saw it for the first time in North Carolina and I love it!!! just know your kid!

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 15
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    beatles covers + 60s setting = (:

    amazing film. great story. epic music. realistic story/scenery, yada yada yada. the movie had some sex stuff but mostly it would go over kids' heads. the drugs are in almost every scene from about half of the way through til about 20 minutes from the end. just watch it. you wont regret it! (:

  3. Teen Reviewer
    Age 16
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    Good job Julie Taymor.

    This movie is very well done in every aspect.Go rent it if you want a good musical.

  4. Kid Reviewer
    Age 11
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    This movie ahd me in the sky with diamonds, and I but everyone "across the universe" feel's so.

    One of my fav movies this is. Across the Universe is the story of two lovers during the viatimese war. It is told through the Beatles song's in a creativ e way. I can't even right how beautiful and awesome this movie is. There is some kinda sorta hevay talk of sex and a scene of french kissing. Two scenes show bare breats , one scene in which there are 6 naked painted in grey girls fALLIGN INTO THE WATER. Also the main character draws his girlfriend naked, only right breast is shown. Other than that it is, well pretty iffy but EXCELLENT

  5. Teen Reviewer
    Age 17
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

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