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Cassandra's Dream

(2008, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Ewan McGregor, Tom Wilkinson, Colin Farrell)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Woody Allen scores with suspenseful adult drama.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A man takes advantage of his nephew's desperation to get him involved in a murder plot, and he doesn't appear to feel conflicted about it. Two brothers plot to kill someone; in this case, they do seem overcome with guilt and despair, especially one of them, who in the end makes a fateful decision. One of the brothers demeans his family's fairly humble financial state (and "borrows" money from the till without asking). He also has a habit of "borrowing" cars from the garage where his brother works so he can pretend to be rich. But the brothers do seem to watch out for each other (until one significant moment ...).
  • Violence:

    Implied violence, as when the camera tracks a duo's every move as they follow the man they're going to kill; at the last moment, the scene cuts away as they do the deed. A handmade gun is brandished about; brothers have a brutal fight in which they hit and push each other; some yelling at tense moments; much discussion of ways to "off" someone.
  • Sex:

    Sexual banter between couples; kissing and pawing (but no outright nudity). A woman appears to have difficulty staying faithful, at least in the beginning.
  • Language:

    Some use of "damn" and "hell" and other mild forms of swearing, but nothing particularly strong.
  • Consumerism:

    A woman squeals with delight when her boyfriend buys her a designer bag; Hollywood and the movie business are discussed a few times; a few scenes clearly depict monied types who can dine out and drink in expensive establishments. Much discussion about the purchase of a boat; some characters seem to revere having money above all.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drinking in social settings, like restaurants, bars, and parties. One character seems to like drinking a little too much and has a problem with prescription drugs, too (viewers don't see him partaking, though he does ask for them when he needs some, and he and his girlfriend argue about his overuse). Some smoking, but not excessive.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Cassandra's Dream

Parents need to know that teens probably won't be interested in this Woody Allen drama, which has some mature themes -- namely, murder and how killing cannibalizes the soul. Lies build upon lies, and although the actual crime isn't shown explicitly, the lead-up to it is fairly detailed, including lots of discussion about how it will happen. Guns are brandished, too, and one character seems completely lacking in conscience. But in the end, a moral center is found, and the "punishment" meted out seems quite grim.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the film's take on what happens to a murderer in the wake of his crime. Do the reactions seem realistic or "Hollywood-ized"? Why is the movie industry fascinated with this subject? Are there lessons to be learned from that fascination in general -- or this movie specifically? What does this movie have in common with other Woody Allen films? How is it different?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 4.0

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