The Fountain (PG-13)

Epic sci-fi romance explores faith and love.

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About Our Ratings
Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Warner Bros., Warner Bros.
  • Directed By: Darren Aronofsky
  • Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz
  • Running Time: 096 minutes
  • Release Date: 11/22/2006
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 05/15/2007
  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • MPAA Rating: PG-13
  • MPAA Explanation: some intense sequences of violent action, some sensuality and language.

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this cryptic, complicated sci-fi epic probably won't be on most kids' must-see lists. The tricky plot unfolds simultaneously in the 16th, 21st, and 26th centuries and is sometimes slow to reveal itself, so younger viewers might get bored. There are some bloody killings (with spears, guns, and swords) and a brief sequence showing torture during the Spanish Inquisition. The science fiction scenes are sometimes abstract (a spaceship shaped like a sphere), while the present-day laboratory scenes show surgery on a monkey's brain. A bathtub sex scene is passionate and moving, though not explicit. Some strong language.

Families can talk about the idea of eternal life. What would it be like to live forever? How do different religions offer different versions of eternal life, either "after death" or in some other form? Do you think that the similarities between different religious beliefs could ever help communities and individuals work together, rather than lead to competition and war? How does Tommy seek to redeem himself as he tries to save Izzie? What makes this film a science fiction movie?

Message

Social Behavior:

Thematic focus on human arrogance in science, religion, and war; characters argue, regret it, and vow improved behavior.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

The movie opens with a dark jungle battle scene, initiating a repeated assault scene (bloody death by spear); painful self-tatooing; surgery on a monkey's brain (open skull shown); bloody wounds on a back; Inquistor tortures "heretics" (flagellation, hang victims by their feet); stain on a map suggests blood; a brain tumor causes seizure; upsetting death scene in hospital; emotional scenes with tree (cutting the tree, tree crashing to ground).

Sex

The film's primary sex scene occurs in bathtub (naked woman, clothed man, camera pulls out as they embrace passionately); the queen offers herself to Tomas ("I shall be your Eve").

Language

One "f--k," plus mild other language ("s--t," "old fart").

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Cynthia Fuchs

Elaborately plotted across time and space, THE FOUNTAIN follows the undying love between a man and woman over three different eras. In 2006, a scientist named Tommy Creo (Hugh Jackman) and his wife, Izzi (Rachel Weisz), struggle with her brain cancer. Though Izzi, a historian and writer, has come to terms with her situation, Tommy works furiously to discover a cure. The film follows two other romances (also acted by Jackman and Weisz). 16th-century conquistador Tomas seeks the Fountain of Youth on a mission for Spain’s Queen Isabel. In a Mayan temple, Tomas faces a soldier with a flaming sword, as well as his own doubts. (Meanwhile, Izzi tells Tommy about a "dying star" named Xibalba that represented rebirth for ancient Mayans). In the third story, 26th-century explorer Tom is drawn to a beatific specter who repeats the phrase "finish it" as a way of inviting him to join her in the faith of eternal love. And yet the film suggests that the very concept of "finishing" must give way to cycles and renewals, as indicated by repeated images of passageways and circles.

Is it any good?

3
Director Darren Aronofsky's movie is ambitious, even epic, in its scope. Digital effects depict Tommy and Izzi's relationship in terms that are both extremely intimate (they communicate even when they're not in the same space) and abstract (their interests in life and death and rebirth beyond their own experiences take them back and forward in time).

The Fountain's intricate themes integrate images and ideas from Judeo-Christian, Mayan, and Buddhist traditions, linking them in ways that seem "universal." That said, the film also offers up a gallant, compassionate, and heroic white male -- the variations on Tommy -- as its center. It even posits him as the "First Father," so named by the Mayan warrior. In seeking connections between belief and hope, the film overlooks differences within social hierarchies. Still, its aspirations -- to bring individuals and cultures together -- are admirable. The love story at its heart makes this much clear.

Other choices

2001: A Space Odyssey

Solaris
Event Horizon
MirrorMask
Donny Darko
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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 10 reviews.

Age 13+
0

Posted on 05/30/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Very different...

I really wanted to understand the movie, as well as see Hugh Jackman in a new type of role. However, I got extremely confused after a short time. I would re-watch parts and tried to really understand and think about it. However, I really don't think I ever came to "get it" in a way that left me not thinking I wasted so much of my time. Try a movie like Somewhere in Time for a good story.
Age 17+
3

Posted on 07/19/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor

I don't think many would understand it

I think even for some adults this movie is slow going and can be at times confusing. I truly enjoyed the message and think the premis is good, but the movie's execution wasn't. It's extremely visual and strong emotionally, and spiritually.
Age 13+
1


Posted on 06/08/07 by cortright5 Adult contributor

Boring Boring Boring

If you want to see a movie with heavy metaphysical tones and lot of spiritual mumbo jumbo this is for you... Its messy and tries to say a lot via imagery but just loses itself in its plot. I found it unbelievable, stupid and boring. It wasted my time and my teenage son and I were bored to death!!
Age 11+
4


Posted on 05/16/07 by ShaunIsKing Adult contributor

interesting

some bits violent plus breif sex and some bad words.
2


Posted on 12/16/06 by katherine37373 Kid contributor, age 17

Age 17+
3

Posted on 12/08/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Few scenes were too much

Very interesting film. Hate the f word, which was used and the sex scene actually showed more of her chest than I'd like to see on the big screen.
4

Posted on 11/30/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 14

Good, philisophical movie

The movie was very good, although occasionally poorly acted and the direction was a bit sloppy. The only reason I would consider thinking about taking a kid to the movie is that it is a deep thinking movie, and many kids will not comprehend the movie, thus becoming frustrated with it.
Age 13+
5


Posted on 11/30/06 by fun Adult contributor

Great Moview!!!

Must see! This is a great movie, very creative, a thinker. In the spriit of Somewhere in Time, Brasil and Lord of the Rings. Hugh Jackman has grown since his X-man roles, I loved him in this!
3


Posted on 11/23/06 by bubbo Kid contributor, age 13

5


Posted on 11/22/06 by moviemogul 2.0; also fomerly moviemogul Kid contributor, age 15

Love conquers all

Although most people will undoubtedly not appreciate this movie, I personally loved it. The movie is an absolute work of art, in the sense of how it presents all the visuals. The message is a simple one that speaks of love triumphing over everything, even death; though some people might complain that it takes too long to speak such a simple message. I am not saying this is the best movie you will ever see or any sort like that-- it is a plain good movie. However, based on the fact that the artistic style used is incredible and also because so few movies today bother to send a good message, when one is sent at all, that is what compelled me to give the movie five stars. If those two things don't mean much to you, then you'll think it was a pretty good movie, or might be too confused by it and hate it. In terms of content, there was some sexual content and mild language including an f-bomb, but the violence is the highest concern. It's a very straight-up PG-13 content wise really. It's the art that makes it anything but main-stream.

See all 10 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 6 reviews.

Age 13+
0

Posted on 05/30/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Very different...

I really wanted to understand the movie, as well as see Hugh Jackman in a new type of role. However, I got extremely confused after a short time. I would re-watch parts and tried to really understand and think about it. However, I really don't think I ever came to "get it" in a way that left me not thinking I wasted so much of my time. Try a movie like Somewhere in Time for a good story.
Age 17+
3

Posted on 07/19/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor

I don't think many would understand it

I think even for some adults this movie is slow going and can be at times confusing. I truly enjoyed the message and think the premis is good, but the movie's execution wasn't. It's extremely visual and strong emotionally, and spiritually.
Age 13+
1


Posted on 06/08/07 by cortright5 Adult contributor

Boring Boring Boring

If you want to see a movie with heavy metaphysical tones and lot of spiritual mumbo jumbo this is for you... Its messy and tries to say a lot via imagery but just loses itself in its plot. I found it unbelievable, stupid and boring. It wasted my time and my teenage son and I were bored to death!!
Age 11+
4


Posted on 05/16/07 by ShaunIsKing Adult contributor

interesting

some bits violent plus breif sex and some bad words.
Age 17+
3

Posted on 12/08/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Few scenes were too much

Very interesting film. Hate the f word, which was used and the sex scene actually showed more of her chest than I'd like to see on the big screen.
Age 13+
5


Posted on 11/30/06 by fun Adult contributor

Great Moview!!!

Must see! This is a great movie, very creative, a thinker. In the spriit of Somewhere in Time, Brasil and Lord of the Rings. Hugh Jackman has grown since his X-man roles, I loved him in this!

Kids Reviews

There are 4 reviews.

2


Posted on 12/16/06 by katherine37373 Kid contributor, age 17

4

Posted on 11/30/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 14

Good, philisophical movie

The movie was very good, although occasionally poorly acted and the direction was a bit sloppy. The only reason I would consider thinking about taking a kid to the movie is that it is a deep thinking movie, and many kids will not comprehend the movie, thus becoming frustrated with it.
3


Posted on 11/23/06 by bubbo Kid contributor, age 13

5


Posted on 11/22/06 by moviemogul 2.0; also fomerly moviemogul Kid contributor, age 15

Love conquers all

Although most people will undoubtedly not appreciate this movie, I personally loved it. The movie is an absolute work of art, in the sense of how it presents all the visuals. The message is a simple one that speaks of love triumphing over everything, even death; though some people might complain that it takes too long to speak such a simple message. I am not saying this is the best movie you will ever see or any sort like that-- it is a plain good movie. However, based on the fact that the artistic style used is incredible and also because so few movies today bother to send a good message, when one is sent at all, that is what compelled me to give the movie five stars. If those two things don't mean much to you, then you'll think it was a pretty good movie, or might be too confused by it and hate it. In terms of content, there was some sexual content and mild language including an f-bomb, but the violence is the highest concern. It's a very straight-up PG-13 content wise really. It's the art that makes it anything but main-stream.
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