 | 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. |
Face/Off
- Review Date: November 9, 2005
- R
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 1997
Common Sense Media says
Overwrought, sci-fi crime thriller. Not for kids.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film contains plenty of graphic action violence, usually in the form on bloody, on-screen shootings. The deaths are quick, so there's not much suffering. The body count is not as high as some other action blockbusters (such as The Terminator), but is fairly constant throughout the duration of the picture. There is also lots of strong language.
What's the story?
Government agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) has been chasing terrorist Castor Troy (Nicholas Cage) ever since Castor murdered his 5-year-old son. After he catches Castor, Sean learns that in order to infiltrate terrorist ranks and acquire information about a plot to blow up Los Angeles, he must impersonate Castor. In the not-to-distant future, surgeons are able to perform seamless face transplants. To make the impersonation as convincing as possible, Sean has Castor's face grafted on to his head. Castor unexpectedly awakes from his post-surgical slumber and demands to be outfitted with Archer's face, thereby acquiring the sterling reputation that he needs to move his evil plot forward. When all evidence of the transplant procedure is destroyed, Archer must convince his family and his co-workers that he is not the depraved terrorist he appears to be, all while trying to maintain his wits and foil Castor's plans.
Is it any good?
Face/Off is a uniquely awkward blend of sensationally violent action, hokey attempts at symbolism and drama, and dark humor. The film alternates so rapidly between earnest attempts to elicit emotion and crazed over-the-top acting and dialogue that it's impossible to know whether one should laugh at how contrived this film is or accept it as an action extravaganza aware of its own absurdity.
This ambiguity is less the fault of the actors (Travolta and Cage do a fine job of playing with the audience's expectations of their characters) than it is of action director, John Woo. Subtlety is not Woo's forte. His obsessive use of slow motion and clumsy, blatant symbolism turn what could have been an intriguing inquiry into identity into a ham-handed attempt at profundity and poignancy. His fetishistic treatment of gunfights that are expertly choreographed and highly stylized makes for the more spectacular and enjoyable moments of the movie. Still, the movie is not recommended for anyone under 17.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how and why we treat people differently when their physical appearance is dramatically altered. Why are some of the violent scenes funny and others very serious? When and why is it appropriate to laugh at some "over the top" violence? Why are so many films by Hong Kong directors, such as John Woo, as violent?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Wow
This film is crazy! It's one of those films where you can just chill and feel the thrill of an action movie up yourself. The movie could be a bit frightening for younger people but it's fine for older teens, 15/16 onwards. It's hardly a sci- fi movie, just has a bit of a "unreastic" theme. Hey it's all good so when ever you get a chance, watch it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Some very gory special effects, violence and profanity make this cool 90's action thriller to mature for tweens
Face\Off is John woo's first great (and arguably only) american movie, and is one of the best action movies of the 90's. That said, it is definitely not for younger audiences and preferably more for older teens who like there action movies with some compelling ideas, some grisly special effects and almost non-stop violence. Another thing about the movie is that Nicholas cage, who is fantastic in the movie by the way, is also a viscous psychopath and is apparently supposed to be a womanizer and a sex addict of sorts. Still, a great action movie with a creative and original premise.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This is probably one of the best movies ever!
This IS the best action movie ever. (No Contest!)
The Acting in this movie is so awesome, as well as the fight sequences, and the music.
And since you get to see both Cage, and Travolta play the Bad guy/Good Guy, it makes It a very amazing experience.
I would reccomend this movie to anyone because, quite frankly. This movie Rocks.
But... On the appropriate level.
Not for Kids under 14
This is because there is constant violence, and swearing.
There is too much to explain how explicit this movie is.
But like I said, not counting the younger ones, Watch this movie
Greatest 90's movie ever.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | John Woo |
| Cast: | Joan Allen, John Travolta, Nicolas Cage |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 138 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 27, 1997 |
| DVD release date: | October 6, 1998 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | intense sequences of strong violence, and for strong language |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
