Dr. No (PG, 1963)

common sense media says

007's silver screen debut. Not for young kids.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie depicts behavior that, while thought to be acceptable at the time of its release, would be widely considered sexist today. The hero's womanizing is as much a part of his allure as his wit and good looks. Women characters are cardboard cut outs, either duplicitous or too frightened to take action. Similarly, most of the black characters are lackeys or stooges. The hero murders a character without an ounce of remorse. While this character had attempted to kill him, the hero was not in danger at the moment he shot his enemy. The violence is neither bloody nor especially realistic.

Positive messages: Sexist behavior and some excessive force.
Violence: Bloodless murders. One character is burned alive, though it is not graphically depicted.
Sex: Womanizing without repercussions. Kissing, innuendo, scantily clad women.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some smoking and drinking. They are as much a part of Bond's suaveness as his accent or attire.

More on Dr. No

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what qualities of James Bond one might want to emulate. What makes people think James Bond is cool? What is different about the world in which he lives in than our world?

What's the story?

What's the story?

James Bond (Sean Connery), is a British Secret Service agent who has been called upon to investigate suspicious activity in Jamaica. With the help of an earthy Jamaican (John Kitzmiller) and an American CIA agent (Jack Lord), Bond attempts to unravel the mystery of who or what is interfering with rocket launches in the States.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Not quite as streamlined or cohesive as many of its successors, DR. NO introduces James Bond, one of the most enduring figure of Western cinema, to the world. Considering how many sequels this modest action-spy film spawned, it's worth asking why this refined roué has stuck around as long as he has. The answer, for better or worse, probably lies in the unapologetic way the film plays to undomesticated male fantasies. The action is wooden and the plot contrived, but it sure is fun to look at.

Before allowing kids to view this film, parents may want to consider the overt sexual themes featured in DR. NO.

Movie themes & details

Themes
Movie Details
Studio: MGM/UA
Director: Terence Young
Cast: Jack Lord, Sean Connery, Ursula Andress
Genre: Action/Adventure
Run time: 111 minutes
Theatrical release: May 8, 1963
DVD release: May 16, 2000
MPAA Rating: PG

This review was written by Elliot Panek
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Aragorn King ...
teen, 15 years old
 
Great action, maybe a bit too intense for young viewers.
This is a great old action flick. It is a bit boring at the start but the last few scenes on Dr. No's island are great. 7year old kids might be a bit scared but great movie.

michaelc
teen, 14 years old
 
perfect for most.
Good exciting, action film. No issues.

pg13rnc17
teen, 14 years old
 
gppd movie
its good

abodoh
teen, 17 years old
 
Great Movie.....
Bond is great in his first debut on the silver screen. little iffy on a few things but great over all

Spielberg00
teen, 14 years old
 
Surprisingly not a very good Bond film; extremely cheesy. Since violence is quite minimal and mild, and sexual content only goes up to the point of innuendo and kissing (what surprise for Bond!), this would probably still keep its PG rating today.
My rating: PG for mild action violence, infrequent drinking/smoking, mild language and some sensuality.

davyborn
teen, 17 years old
 
First bond flick is dated, but still quiet entertaining.for most.
The very first James Bond movie ever is Dr. No, which debuted back in 1962. The funny thing about this movie is that, even though the title isn't much to talk about, who knew that it would span over twenty spy flicks over the years and huge amount of success and money for the creator, stars, directors and anyone else associated with these movies. But, since it was made in 1962, the fact that this movie is dated goes with out saying. Bond womanizing and card board cut out female characters appear extremely out of place in today's society. Also, this movie is Rated PG, but would be much closer to a PG-13 by today's standards: With frequent partial nudity and sensuality, not to mention some intense action with plenty of people being killed with out a shred or remorse, what so ever. Still, it makes for a great first out in what was to be one of the most successful movie franchises ever.

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ON: Content is 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