Common Sense Note
Parents should know that this film features its fair share of both gore and sex, although the slow pace of the film keeps either from being overwhelming. There is full-frontal female nudity, a case of adultery, a finger is sliced off, and a sandstorm temporarily strands people in the desert. In addition, there are bloody injuries, bombs, explosions, two plane crashes, and several deaths. There is also substance abuse of both alcohol and morphine.
Parents might want to discuss with their teens issues surrounding the physical and emotional consequences of war. What are the different responses that the characters have to death, and how do they change? What happens when convictions are treated as the truth? How is adultery portrayed in the film? What are the ramifications of adultery in the film and what might they be in real life?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Sarah Orrick
Despite its Oscar wins and praise from the mainstream press, THE ENGLISH PATIENT requires a cetain type of viewer to appreciate its plot. There are copious amounts of flashbacks, and the often dark subject matter unfolds slowly, allowing the rich cinematography to take priority over the plot. The film suffers from the same ailment as all movies made from books – simultaneous lack and abundance of detail. Moments are included which fail to further the plot, but other aspects that need more explanation are forgotten. The film has the potential to go in a million directions, but it floats through the material to arrive at an ending that fails to fulfill its promise. All of these flaws, however, are easy to overlook because the film is so visually stunning.
THE ENGLISH PATIENT follows the memories of an amnesic burn victim that return as he is cared for by the Allies during World War II. His memories and his present unfold simultaneously as moments in the present trigger the past.
The supporting cast is brilliant – Juliette Binoche and Kristin Scott Thomas in particular give excellent performances, and Colin Firth leaves an indelible mark. Ralph Fiennes imparts to his character a distinct emotional distance, which works well to establish the character, but makes it hard for him to gain the viewer's sympathy, or even explain how another character falls in love with him.
The tradition of grand movie romances hardly began with this film, and for more such wartime dramas, you might try Casablanca. Most kids will be bored by this film. For a more fast-paced period romance they will surely enjoy, try Titanic.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentFull frontal nudity (female), sex. |
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ViolenceGuns shoot down a plane, wounded soldiers, burn victims, bombs, a sandstorm, explosions, car crash, man is choked to death, suicides, a finger is cut off. |
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Social BehaviorThere are excellent examples of heroism but there is also an adulterous relationship.. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoCharacters get drunk to ease pain, many characters drink, morphine is abused. |
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