Vicky Cristina Barcelona (PG-13)
Smart, mature film about love, lust, and more.
(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Seen the movie?
Movie details
- Studio: The Weinstein Co.
- Directed By: Woody Allen
- Cast: Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem
- Running Time: 97 minutes
- Release Date: 08/14/2008
- Genre: Comedy
- MPAA Rating: PG-13
- MPAA Explanation: mature thematic material involving sexuality, and smoking.
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this romantic dramedy has some risque material (infidelity, discussion of threesomes, passionate embraces), overall it's a witty, intelligent take on the complexities of relationships. As per usual with writer/director Woody Allen's work, its subject matter and complicated characters will likely appeal more to grown-ups than the teenage set. There's some social drinking and smoking and a little bit of swearing, and lovers are shown in various stages of courtship and love-making -- but there's no outright nudity.
Families can talk about the film's take on relationships -- both between friends and between lovers. Do you think the characters' relationships are realistic? What makes Vicky and Cristina such good friends? How is their friendship tested by Juan Antonio? Fans of Woody Allen can also discuss how this movie compares to his other films. What do his movies tend to have in common?
Families can talk about the film's take on relationships -- both between friends and between lovers. Do you think the characters' relationships are realistic? What makes Vicky and Cristina such good friends? How is their friendship tested by Juan Antonio? Fans of Woody Allen can also discuss how this movie compares to his other films. What do his movies tend to have in common?
Message
Social Behavior:
An engaged woman cheats on her fiancé and later, after they're married, considers doing it again. Another married woman fantasizes about trysting with other men and is caught kissing someone besides her husband. Lovers lie to each other and play games, though for the most part the lead characters are quite accepting of on another's needs and take great care to examine their lives and compulsions. The main relationships are actually quite loving and giving.
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Lots of social drinking. Some smoking.
Violence
A tempestuous woman fires shots at her ex-lover and hurts someone in the process; they also quarrel loudly, sometimes throwing things around. There's talk of how she tries to kill herself.
Sex
Couples (men and women, women and women) kiss passionately. Lovers are shown making love, though no genitals are seen; post-sex, they're shown naked from the upper chest up, the rest covered by sheets. Lots of frank talk about sex, including discussions about threesomes. In a few scenes, a man and two women kiss and embrace.
Language
A few uses of "s--t."
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by S. Jhoanna Robledo
Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) are best friends summering in Barcelona who discover that they may not want what they have -- nor have what they want. They're polar opposites. Vicky is studied and exact, researching a paper on Catalan culture as she prepares for her wedding to the very dependable Doug (Chris Messina). And Cristina is a dilettante -- she's just finished making a film she no longer likes and thinks she may want to be a photographer instead -- who longs for a romantic adventure post-breakup. So it's a bit surprising that they fall for the same guy. And, as it turns out, the man of their dreams -- painter Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) -- likes them both, as well as his fantastically beautiful, wildly temperamental ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz). Vicky's shocked at the feelings Juan Antonio incites, while Cristina just goes with the flow, even if it means sharing him. In no time, entanglements get even more complicated, forcing everyone to take risks, lose big and, in true Woody Allen fashion, wind up slightly off-center from where they started.
Is it any good?
Speaking of the director, welcome back, Woody! After a few interesting-yet-tepid films, he's a wonder once more with VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA, a sexy, witty inspection of love, lust, and marriage basking under a stunning Mediterranean sun. Gifted with a cast that's near flawless, a stunningly beautiful city, and a script that hits a high water mark, Allen doesn't do much wrong here.
Though there are a few exceptions: Using yet another voiceover narrator creates distance when none is needed. It's also distracting. And though Johansson is a sight to behold -- and is better here than in previous Allen outings -- she still seems to be approximating who her character is instead of inhabiting it. Some scenes also tend toward talky, which is typical of the director's work. But, oh, Penelope Cruz! Allen brings out the best in her and photographs her impeccably, too. She's rage-filled and troubled, wickedly funny, and breathtaking. In her, Allen has found a new muse. Now can he come back to New York and wield his camera once more?
Related Video
Other choices
Parents and kids say
Be the first to post a review.
or 
to post a review
What do your kids do online?
Surf
44%
Homework and research
12%
Download music
7%
Chat with friends
37%
41 votes