The Pelican Brief (PG-13)
Talky political thriller won’t engage kids.
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Seen the movie?
Movie details
- Studio: Warner Independent
- Directed By: Alan Pakula
- Cast: Julia Roberts, Sam Shepard, Denzel Washington
- Running Time: 141 minutes
- Release Date: 12/17/1993
- Video/DVD Release Date: 08/22/1997
- Genre: Drama
- MPAA Rating: PG-13
- MPAA Explanation: momentary language and some violence
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film is relatively free of foul language, violence, or explicit sex. But one brief scene features a murder in a porno theater; the main character is shown in a heavy clinch with a boyfriend, and several characters are killed over the course of the film (though gore is at a minimum).
Families can talk about the way that political thrillers dramatize events that could have happened in real life. Conversations on the role of the whistle-blower, and the responsibility of citizens to speak up when they see wrongdoing, might also be sparked by this movie.
Families can talk about the way that political thrillers dramatize events that could have happened in real life. Conversations on the role of the whistle-blower, and the responsibility of citizens to speak up when they see wrongdoing, might also be sparked by this movie.
Message
Social Behavior:
As in any political thriller, there are plenty of "bad guys."
Consumerism:
A hotel chain is mentioned.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Violence
Characters killed.
Sex
One brief scene features a murder in a porno theater.
Language
Some profanity.
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Joyce Slayton
Based on the novel by John Grisham, THE PELICAN BRIEF follows the story of Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts), who gets more than she bargains for when she allows her law prof/boyfriend (Sam Shepard) to show a buddy in the CIA her paper presenting theories on the recent murders of two Supreme Court justices. Before too long, everyone who reads her "Pelican Brief" is bumped off. Some crooked powers that be decide Darby knows too much and should be killed too. Only Washington reporter Greg Grantham (Denzel Washington) can save her by exposing the villains.
Is it any good?
Grisham is known for delivering great big bloated political thrillers. At 141 minutes, it shows in this mightily involved thriller. The Pelican Brief is low on colorful villains and memorable visuals and loaded with grim, grey scenes where characters are doing research or having conversations. The actors are well cast and effective. Viewers will appreciate the fact that the complex plot isn't dumbed down, though it's a rather disappointing letdown of a film from director Alan Pakula, who made the classic All the President's Men.
Due to its lack of onscreen violence, sex or nudity, the film is a good choice for families who like political thrillers with a minimum of adults-only features. However, the action is relatively slow-paced, the plot is complicated, and the characters are very talky, making this movie a bore for younger kids or those who require a lot of whizz-bang to stay interested.
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