 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
- Review Date: December 2, 2009
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 1994
Common Sense Media says
Drag queens drive funny, tender, but mature musical.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this funny drama about Australian drag queens contains tons of profanity and sexual innuendo. The cursing never stops, though it's not generally hostile, and includes everything you could imagine (from "f--k" to homophobic slurs). There is no sex or nudity, but plenty of crass and explicit talk about genitals, sex (both homo- and heterosexual), and some provocative dancing and clothing. The characters encounter homophobia, and the film includes one scene of intense threatening and moderate violence.
What's the story?
When drag queen Tick (Hugo Weaving) gets a call to perform in a small town, he collects two friends -- another drag queen (Guy Pearce) and a transsexual named Bernadette (Terence Stamp) -- to go along for the ride. They cross the Outback of Australia in a beat-up RV. Their outrageous clothing and behavior attracts plenty of attention -- both good and bad -- and they end up making a few friends and enemies along the way. When the RV breaks down, they meet a mechanic named Bob (Bill Hunter), who ends up riding along with them and getting close to Bernadette. Along the way, the friends learn that Tick plans to meet his secret wife at the destination, and after the arrival, everyone's in for a big surprise.
Is it any good?
This tender, sympathetic film includes some incredible acting, quirky characters, and gorgeous costumes (for which it won an Oscar). Terence Stamp portrays the transsexual Bernadette with strength and humanity, creating a film that goes deeper than the crinoline, makeup, and colorful musical numbers. Stamp and his costars ultimately tell a tale of acceptance -- of difference, of others, and of oneself. Some of the dialogue is particularly snippy and mean in a rather clichéd interpretation of gay male discourse, but the strengths of the film outweigh its weaknesses.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the main character's feelings about himself. Why do you think he was so anxious about going to Alice Springs? How did he change after he arrived? What lessons did others teach him about himself?
Talk about the trio's relationships with each other. Why do you think they were so mean to each other? How did that change over time?
Do you think this portrayal of homosexuals is positive or negative? Does it promote understanding or stereotypes (or both)?
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Teen, 17 years old
July 6, 2011
AGE
Brilliant Movie;Not For Kids
This is a great movie! It's absolutely hilarious and has positive messages. There are ton of funny and quoteable lines. The acting is superb. I felt like I knew these characters in real life, and really cared about them. I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie; I really wanted to find out what happened next. I just saw this movie and I'm 14 (I know my profile says 17, that was a mistake). Words of warning: there is constant swearing. The characters encounter a lot of homophobia, but deal with it. For example, somebody spraypaints "AIDS f***ers go home!" on their bus, so they paint over it. There's one scene where men are threatening one of the drag queens, and the transsexual fights one of the men, which causes the others to disperse. There is also a scene where a woman shoots ping pong balls out of her...um...well, you know, but it only shows the audience's reactions. Overall, fantastic movie, but not for children.
What other families should know:
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Parent of 4, 8, and 13 year old
March 25, 2011
AGE
I saw this movie so long ago (16 years ago) and loved it. When my teen asked to see it I went to Common Sense Media. The review refreshed my memory, and my husband and I decided to let her wait a couple of years.
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| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | Stephan Elliott |
| Cast: | Guy Pearce, Hugo Weaving, Terence Stamp |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 104 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 10, 1994 |
| DVD release date: | March 28, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | sex-related situations and language |
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