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Duplicity (PG-13, 2009)

common sense media says

Clever, complex romantic thriller is too twisty for tweens.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say sexual content is an issue
  • 33% say language is an issue
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this caper film isn't a tween-friendly romantic comedy. Although it's both romantic and comedic, it's also a cerebral spy thriller with so many twists that even some adults will be confused. And although the main characters are appealing and sympathetic, the truth is that they're ruthless corporate spies. They're often shown right before and after making love (bare-shouldered, and, in Clive Owen's case, bare-chested). They also discuss their sex life with innuendo and jokes about "legs in the air" and such. There isn't much violence aside from a humorous fight between two CEOs, but there's occasional strong language ("bulls--t," "goddamn," "d--k"), and drinking (all by adults).

Positive messages: Corporate epsionage is portrayed as a dirty business, with rival companies routinely undermining each other by using spies to try to steal new ideas.
Positive role models: The lead characters are more than willing to do whatever's necessary to
make millions of dollars, and CEOs are portrayed as willing to break
all kinds of laws (like hiring special departments to break and enter,
steal, and possibly kill) in order to give their companies an edge.
Violence: Menacing but humorous confrontation between two titans of industry. Slightly disturbing scene of a character who has obviously been sedated and another who's temporarily gagged and blinded. Security team discusses how "to deal" with possible spies in the company.
Sex: A lot of sexual chemistry and conversation between Ray and Claire. They make love off camera, but the audience does see them kissing in bed on several occasions, and usually both of them have bare shoulders, legs, and backs. Ray walks out of the bathroom in just a towel. Steamy conversation includes asides about "rug burn," "turned on," and "legs in the air."
Language: Words like "bulls--t," "s--t," "cojones," and "a--hole" are used occasionally. Other potentially offensive expressions include "goddamn," "for Christ's sake," "oh my God," and "swinging d--k."
Consumerism: Most of the products and companies featured are fictional, so there's no overt consumerism in the film.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults are shown enjoying champagne, wine, and cocktails at dinner, a celebration, a bar, and a hotel.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Duplicity

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about why caper/heist movies are so appealing, even when the characters are breaking the law. How do filmmakers get us rooting for the crooks?

  • How would you feel about people who do what the characters do in real life?
  • Do you think the idea of no-holds-barred corporate espionage is believable?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Mixing true romance and corporate espionage, director Tony Gilroy's DUPLICITY follows the dealings and double-dealings of former MI-6 agent Ray (Clive Owen) and his one-time lover, Claire (Julia Roberts), a former CIA spook. Each hatches a plan to use their spy skills in the private sector by working for rival consumer-goods corporations (think Procter & Gamble and Unilever) run by business nemeses Richard Garsik (Paul Giamatti) and Howard Tully (Tom Wilkinson). Ray and Claire's end game is to sell an extremely valuable top-secret formula to the highest bidder -- but, like the title implies, it's never clear who's gaming who.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Reuniting Closer co-stars Roberts (who, as a mother of three, is incredibly picky about her roles now) and Owen is pure genius. They sizzle on both a cerebral and physical level, and their banter is a throwback to 1940s screwball comedies. Joining the irresistible pair are Giamatti and Wilkinson, both of whom are hilariously perfect as titans of industry. Giamatti's character is a charismatic, winner-take-all CEO, while Wilkinson's is a classy, Zen-master leader (he even writes with a fountain pen!).

Gilroy is clearly interested in America as a Corporatocracy. As in his debut film Michael Clayton, Gilroy again explores the evils that powerful companies are capable of -- but this time he also injects a heavy dose of romance and humor to balance out the suspense and drama. The result is an impressively crafted, topsy-turvy romantic thriller/drama/comedy that stars two pros at on-screen chemistry.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Tony Gilroy
Cast: Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, Paul Giamatti
Genre: Thriller
Run time: 123 minutes
Theatrical release: March 20, 2009
DVD release: August 25, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: language and some sexual content
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This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
 
 

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What parents & educators say

11
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say sexual content is an issue
  • 33% say language is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

J-dog21
teen, 16 years old
12
 
stupid, unfun, don't even bother
hated it, was counting down minutes until movie ended, wasted 2 hours of my life
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
stephengladstone3
adult
2
 
Bad Film
Boring!!!!! Nothing bad.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)
BestPicture1996
teen, 16 years old
15
 
I absolutely hated this movie
Full of profanity and sex, Duplicity is definitely for adults, but really it ISN'T FOR ANYONE! 4 people I was in the theatre in walked right out! I wash I was one of them; I nedded a ride.
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Yeah.
teen, 14 years old
11
 
Check out my page for other great recommendations.
I'm not here to give a review because if it shows up on my page its a 5 star movie and so therefore you know what i think about it.
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az
educator and parent of 7 and 10 year old
15
 
Not a movie for your teen or tween...
Definitely not a family-friendly movie - it has a lot of sexual innuendo and swearing. Also, the plot was a bit cumbersome and hard to follow, even for an adult. This is a movie kids can skip!
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masonlackey
teen, 14 years old
11
 
intricate plot only older kids will like it
now when i say iffy for 11 im talking about the content in the movie they probably wouldnt like it id say about 14 and up will actually enjoy the movie i know i did.
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tweetyb210
adult
17
 
The chemistry between Roberts and Owen was ok, I could see Clooney in Owens spot t]even better. I enjoyed the wordplay between them and their duplitcious thinking. I really disliked the film, it was very grainy and seemed contrived.
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m1
teen, 16 years old
13
 
I enjoyed this movie! But I did have slightly low expectations after reading some user reviews. But watch it as soon as you can. There is some sex, which puts it off limits for elementary schoolers.
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9hemmatip
teen, 14 years old
14
 
Ugh!
MOST BORING MOVIE EVER CREATED! DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR TIME!
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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
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