 | 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. |
Black Snake Moan
- Review Date: June 25, 2007
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Pulpy Southern immorality tale is for adults only.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this adults-only movie (which co-stars teen favorite Justin Timberlake) is first and foremost about Rae, a young woman with an insatiable desire for sex. Her urges are so absurdly strong that they cause a literal, overpowering itch that only subsides when she finds a willing partner (and there are many). Rae spends almost the entire film in panties and a cutoff top, and her heaving breasts make many appearances. The man who finds her half-dead decides to "cure" her of her lascivious ways by chaining her up to his radiator. Since the film takes place in the South and follows a black man chaining up a nymphomaniac white woman, the film abounds with racial and sexual stereotypes and tensions.
What's the story?
In writer-director Craig Brewer's BLACK SNAKE MOAN, Laz (Samuel L. Jackson), a hard-working farmer nursing a broken heart, stumbles across a "half-naked, half-dead white woman" (Christina Ricci) left on the quiet road next to his farm. But Rae is no ordinary young woman. She's got "the sickness" -- a burning yearning for sex that no one man can sate. Her widely known sluttiness is what landed her in the bloody state she was found in, and now Laz, a God-fearing bluesman, is ready to exorcize her of her "wickedness." Just how is he going to keep her from "getting up under" every man within county limits? By chaining her to his radiator until she repents -- or at least until his best friend, the town pastor, convinces him that it's not his Biblical duty to "fix" her.
Is it any good?
Many viewers will undoubtedly be offended by Brewer's representation of a still-segregated, racist South in which mentioning a black man's "size" to a white man will get you beaten to a pulp -- not to mention Ricci's personification of a promiscuous woman who just can't get enough. But Brewer has a genuine affinity for portraying Southern and African-American culture. Interlacing the drama with blues music (including footage of the legendary Son House) and necessary doses of humor (Rae's memorable encounter with a young teen looking for butter beans at Laz's farm is particularly amusing), Brewer creates a clever (im)morality tale about an unlikely (OK, ludicrous) way to heal an ailing heart.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the reasons for Rae's promiscuity and Laz's unhappiness. How does their unorthodox relationship help them? The film explores many racist and religious themes. What are some examples of each? Is the pastor judgmental or understanding? What is his influence on the characters? What do you think happens to Rae and Laz? Will they continue in their destructive behaviors, or is there a sign that there's hope for them each to be happy? What do you think drew the actors to this movie?
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AGE
My eyes burned, this is NOT for kids.
I walked out of this movie 1/2 hour in so did others i know. Absolutely no one under 18 should be allowed to see this movie R is an understatement. Fare warning, if you bring you kids you and them will suffer.
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loui
this film is good for any age and you really wanna watch it i tell you do. even better the best out of all hilary films
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AGE
Drugs
The drugs in this movie are so heavily used and dependent. I felt like a junky just by watching it.Only if your chidren can handle it i would let them see it.I you have any worry about your kids doing any substances do NOT let them see this movie.
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| Studio: | Paramount Vantage |
| Director: | Craig Brewer |
| Cast: | Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake, Samuel L. Jackson |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 116 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 1, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | June 27, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | strong sexual content, language, some violence and drug use. |
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