Dune (PG-13, 1984)
common sense media says
Weird, nonsensical, dated sci-fi epic has some cult appeal.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that DUNE is a 1984 adaptation of Frank Herbert's famous science fiction novel of 1965. It is filled with fantasy violence of all types including torture, gore, fighting, weapons, and some generally scary and disturbing imagery (including the quasi-torture of a cat and a rat and a young girl wielding a knife). The underlying theme is about a "chosen one" who never has to make any decisions for himself, and then simply declares war on his enemies. Characters in the movie are after a drug called "Spice," which is shown to be powerful enough for men to go to war over. Young science fiction fans may want to see this (as well as a 5-hour TV miniseries remake from 2000), but the immense novel is compressed to the point that the movie is almost nonsensical, and the visual effects have dated badly. Director David Lynch also tries to put his own personal spin on the material, which will at least make the movie more interesting to Lynch fans.
Positive role models:
Paul is the movie's hero and main role model, but, being the "chosen one," he never really has to make any decisions on his own. He appears to be guided by the hand of destiny. Moreover, he uses his "chosen one" power to declare war and destroy his enemies.
Violence:
The movie is filled with fantasy-style battles as well as some burning flesh, spurting blood, gore, and torture. We see knife fights (with stabbing), poison gas, kicking, biting, and punching, a severed head, scary monsters, and scary noises, and a special kind of voice-operated laser gun. We also see a scary floating killer hypodermic needle (a "hunter-seeker"). There is a scene in which a rat and a cat are strapped into painful-looking positions and locked in a cage. Notably, there is a young girl character (played by Alicia Witt) who wields a knife.
Sex:
Paul and Chani are seen in bed together, with naked shoulders, but nothing else. Sting appears nearly naked, wearing only a tiny speedo, and Lady Jessica wears a sexy nightgown in some scenes. Characters flirt with her and tell her how desirable she is.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Everyone in the film is after "Spice," a powerful substance that allows users to travel through vast amounts of space and to live longer. There are also side effects, such as glowing blue eyes. The "Spice" is never demonstrated as being dangerous, but the behavior of the characters around it is a bit like drug dealers on earth. There are also some "drug trip"-like sequences.
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who3697cares
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
The plot is a mess, but director David Lynch shows his genius here with the visuals, particularily the set designs, and there is a slight intelligence. I'd watch it over Star Wars any day.
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