 | 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 Claim
- Review Date: July 7, 2003
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2001
Common Sense Media says
Mature viewers only; kids won't be interested.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie isn't likely to interest most teens, which is probably for the best -- pervasive adult themes and some sexual and violent content make this a movie best for mature viewers only.
What's the story?
Set in late 1800s in California, THE CLAIM is an unsparing look at greed, sin, and forgiveness. Its setting is as grim as the story it tells, with gray clouds and snowdrifts permeating practically every scene. At the movie's center is Dillon (Peter Mullen), who made a fortune in the gold rush and now owns most of the town of Kingdom Come. When a railroad surveyor comes to town Dillon sees a new opportunity and sets out to convince the company to put Kingdom Come on the railroad line. But when a beautiful woman and her daughter arrive in town, Dillon is in jeopardy of losing all he's worked so hard for. The women's presence forces Dillon to realize that the ambition and hard work that have taken over his life have come to nothing, leaving him a wealthy man in a desolate town not worth living in.
Is it any good?
British actor Peter Mullen gives an excellent performance and the other actors are as capable, especially Sarah Polley, but the story gives them less to do. In fact, some of their stories seem to have been truncated, as if the filmmakers decided in the editing process to concentrate solely on Mr. Dillon's character.
The epic photography of this harsh land is quite beautiful, as is the majestic yet troubling score by Michael Nyman (The Piano). But the movie's overall bleakness, while appropriate to its themes, makes it unlikely to appeal to a broad range of viewers. It's certainly not recommended for teens, except perhaps those with an interest in Thomas Hardy, from whose novel The Mayor of Casterbridge, this was loosely adapted.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how this film compares to the book it is adapted from, Thomas Hardy's Mayor of Casterbridge.
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | Michael Winterbottom |
| Cast: | Milla Jovovich, Nastassja Kinski, Sarah Polley |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 121 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 26, 2001 |
| DVD release date: | December 26, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | sexuality and some language and violence |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
