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Citizen Kane
- Review Date: May 2, 2003
- NR
- Genre: Classic
- 1941
Common Sense Media says
Classic should be required for any movie lover.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Citizen Kane is a serious, grown-up film that will have little appeal for young kids. For teens (and any older kids who shows a budding interest in the art of movie-making), however, it is the must-see portrait of an early 20th century media tycoon. Made in 1941, it's thought by some to be the best movie of all time, both for its audacious techniques and for the depth of its characterization. Several scenes show principals drinking or drunk; there is pipe, cigar, and cigarette smoking throughout. Kane's implied adulterous affair has an impact on the plot, but there is no overt sexuality and no swearing or offensive language.
What's the story?
As Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) dies, his last word is "Rosebud." Reporter Jerry Thompson is sent to find out who Kane really was and what Rosebud means. He meets with five different people who were important in Kane's life -- from the man who raised Kane to his second wife -- to try to understand the small mystery of Kane's last word and the larger mystery of the man who was capable of both integrity and corruption, and who seemed to have no sense of peace or happiness. Thompson delves into Kane's decision to buy a newspaper and its rise to an influential chain; his marriage to the niece of a president and his own ambition for public office; his affair with an aspiring opera singer. While the characters never reveal the meaning of "Rosebud," the viewer is permitted to solve that mystery. But the answer only proves that there are never any simple answers to the complexity of the human spirit.
Is it any good?
Kids who watch CITIZEN KANE can never know how revolutionary it was. Every one of its dozens of innovations, from the flashback structure to the use of sets with ceilings for additional authenticity, has become all but standard. No problem -- there is time enough for them to study these aspects of the film's brilliance if they decide to learn more about film history and criticism. For their first viewing of this brilliant work (and for purposes of a family discussion), just let them focus on the story, the dialogue, and the characters, which remain as compelling and contemporary as they were more than 50 years ago.
Like Willie Stark in All the King's Men, Kane begins as a populist and dies corrupt and alone, and we cannot help but hope for some explanation of how that happened, as Thompson does. Both Kane and Stark were based on real-life figures. Kane was based largely but not completely on William Randolph Hearst, the almost impossibly wealthy heir to the largest gold and silver mine owner in America, who became a powerful publishing magnate. Kane might also have been based on Welles himself, only 25 years old when he co-wrote, directed, and starred in this, his first film. He spent the rest of his life coming up with one excuse or another for why he never came close to that level of achievement again.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how Kane used his newspaper to influence politics and stir up the public's interest in war. Do newspapers and other news media still do that?
Why do you think he said "Rosebud" when he died?
Have you ever visited Hearst Castle, which was the model for Citizen Cane's Xanadu? (An overhead shot of William Randolph Hearst's estate on the California Coast at San Simeon is shown in the film as Xanadu, where Kane lives.) It's now a California State Monument and is open to the public for tours.
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AGE
A Classic!
Citizen Kane is a phenomenal film, and it's still great despite its age. Everything about this film is perfect: the acting, plot, characters, and especially the haunting and powerful ending. It's not a very happy film, but it's fascinating and definitely a must-see.
As far as content goes, this film is refreshingly free of language and drugs. There are references to an affair, and one character becomes angry and begins to trash furniture and objects in his room. This film might be a bit confusing for young kids to follow, because of the unusual way it is presented.
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AGE
Good, but not Welles' best
Citizen Kane is (currently) the most critically acclaimed film ever made, and is considered one of the finest directorial debuts in the history of cinema. I like it, but I feel Welles made better movies, like the one he made after Citizen Kane, The Magnificent Ambersons.
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AGE
A Thought-Provoking Portrait of a Flawed Life...
CITIZEN KANE is continually listed by countless film studies as the greatest American film ever made. Is it? Maybe. I wouldn't be the one to tell. Is it my favorite? No. But it is an engaging, stimulating, and gorgeously made film about one man's flawed life and his constant search for meaning, which evades him to his death.
There is no violence or language. It is mentioned that Kane's political life is ruined after his extra-marital affair with his soon-to-be second wife, but it is fleetingly mentioned. Kane tries to buy happiness in all forms, and is very self-centered and controlling towards both of his wives. There is also some social drinking, and one character proves to be quite fond of liquor.
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AGE
Orson Welles' masterpiece is suitable for most ages
Orson Welles' classic is a must-see for every cineasté. The plot, the message, the brilliant protagonist, the cinematography, the brilliant structure and eventually the magnificent endings scene: this movie is just great from the beginning to the end. This movie is one of the greatest ever made and an absolute recommendment.
Actually, this movie has no sex, no strong violence (a woman is slapped) and no strong language. The movie, however, is emotional and some parts are depressing. But i think older teenagers and adults will be more affected by it.
This masterpiece of work is recommended to viewers 8 and up.
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AGE
for ten and up
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. The movie teaches the lesson that money can't buy happiness. Charles Foster Kane is not a great role model and he has an affair. The only reason I am giving it 10 is because it may not hold interest to anyone under.
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AGE
A Timeless Classic
Citizen Kane must be viewed by anyone that considers themselves movie lovers. There is nothing wrong content wise with the movie, just the subjects and implied messages that give meaning to the movie would soar over some heads with a wide berth. Very enjoyable but a bit depressing at the end.
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AGE
Classic but not a child pleaser
Children will not appreciate this movie. There are some exceptions, of course. But classics are not popular among children.
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| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Orson Welles |
| Cast: | Agnes Moorehead, Joseph Cotten, Orson Welles |
| Genre: | Classic |
| Run time: | 119 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 5, 1941 |
| DVD release date: | September 25, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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