 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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The Fountain
- Review Date: May 14, 2007
- PG-13
- Genre: Science Fiction
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Epic sci-fi romance explores faith and love.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this cryptic, complicated sci-fi epic probably won't be on most kids' must-see lists. The tricky plot unfolds simultaneously in the 16th, 21st, and 26th centuries and is sometimes slow to reveal itself, so younger viewers might get bored. There are some bloody killings (with spears, guns, and swords) and a brief sequence showing torture during the Spanish Inquisition. The science fiction scenes are sometimes abstract (a spaceship shaped like a sphere), while the present-day laboratory scenes show surgery on a monkey's brain. A bathtub sex scene is passionate and moving, though not explicit. Some strong language.
What's the story?
Elaborately plotted across time and space, THE FOUNTAIN follows the undying love between a man and woman over three different eras. In 2006, a scientist named Tommy Creo (Hugh Jackman) and his wife, Izzi (Rachel Weisz), struggle with her brain cancer. Though Izzi, a historian and writer, has come to terms with her situation, Tommy works furiously to discover a cure. The film follows two other romances (also acted by Jackman and Weisz). 16th-century conquistador Tomas seeks the Fountain of Youth on a mission for Spain's Queen Isabel. In a Mayan temple, Tomas faces a soldier with a flaming sword, as well as his own doubts. (Meanwhile, Izzi tells Tommy about a "dying star" named Xibalba that represented rebirth for ancient Mayans). In the third story, 26th-century explorer Tom is drawn to a beatific specter who repeats the phrase "finish it" as a way of inviting him to join her in the faith of eternal love. And yet the film suggests that the very concept of "finishing" must give way to cycles and renewals, as indicated by repeated images of passageways and circles.
Is it any good?
Director Darren Aronofsky's movie is ambitious, even epic, in its scope. Digital effects depict Tommy and Izzi's relationship in terms that are both extremely intimate (they communicate even when they're not in the same space) and abstract (their interests in life and death and rebirth beyond their own experiences take them back and forward in time).
The Fountain's intricate themes integrate images and ideas from Judeo-Christian, Mayan, and Buddhist traditions, linking them in ways that seem "universal." That said, the film also offers up a gallant, compassionate, and heroic white male -- the variations on Tommy -- as its center. It even posits him as the "First Father," so named by the Mayan warrior. In seeking connections between belief and hope, the film overlooks differences within social hierarchies. Still, its aspirations -- to bring individuals and cultures together -- are admirable. The love story at its heart makes this much clear.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the idea of eternal life. What would it be like to live forever? How do different religions offer different versions of eternal life, either "after death" or in some other form? Do you think that the similarities between different religious beliefs could ever help communities and individuals work together, rather than lead to competition and war? How does Tommy seek to redeem himself as he tries to save Izzie? What makes this film a science fiction movie?
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AGE
Yes, The three-stories-in-one kind of thing can get confusing at times, you really have to annalize the plot. but it's certaintly the most mesmorizing, deep, and emmotional movie I have ever seen. And the ending- it's literaly to die for. Everyone who hasn't seen The Fountain, I dont know what you're waiting for, and i really dont know what i was. The language is very mild, only one use of a sware word, and the scene in the bathtub is not meant to be watched at a sexual stand point, and Thomas kissing Izzy on the neck plays a crutial role in the story. The violence isn't to bad, but the scene with the man whipping himslef on the back is very disturbing, and there is a lot of killing but nothing really discusting is shown.
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AGE
Boring Boring Boring
If you want to see a movie with heavy metaphysical tones and lot of spiritual mumbo jumbo this is for you... Its messy and tries to say a lot via imagery but just loses itself in its plot. I found it unbelievable, stupid and boring. It wasted my time and my teenage son and I were bored to death!!
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AGE
Love conquers all
Although most people will undoubtedly not appreciate this movie, I personally loved it. The movie is an absolute work of art, in the sense of how it presents all the visuals. The message is a simple one that speaks of love triumphing over everything, even death; though some people might complain that it takes too long to speak such a simple message. I am not saying this is the best movie you will ever see or any sort like that-- it is a plain good movie. However, based on the fact that the artistic style used is incredible and also because so few movies today bother to send a good message, when one is sent at all, that is what compelled me to give the movie five stars. If those two things don't mean much to you, then you'll think it was a pretty good movie, or might be too confused by it and hate it. In terms of content, there was some sexual content and mild language including an f-bomb, but the violence is the highest concern. It's a very straight-up PG-13 content wise really. It's the art that makes it anything but main-stream.
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AGE
Great Moview!!!
Must see! This is a great movie, very creative, a thinker. In the spriit of Somewhere in Time, Brasil and Lord of the Rings. Hugh Jackman has grown since his X-man roles, I loved him in this!
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AGE
Good, philisophical movie
The movie was very good, although occasionally poorly acted and the direction was a bit sloppy. The only reason I would consider thinking about taking a kid to the movie is that it is a deep thinking movie, and many kids will not comprehend the movie, thus becoming frustrated with it.
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AGE
Few scenes were too much
Very interesting film. Hate the f word, which was used and the sex scene actually showed more of her chest than I'd like to see on the big screen.
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AGE
interesting
some bits violent plus breif sex and some bad words.
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AGE
Very different...
I really wanted to understand the movie, as well as see Hugh Jackman in a new type of role. However, I got extremely confused after a short time. I would re-watch parts and tried to really understand and think about it. However, I really don't think I ever came to "get it" in a way that left me not thinking I wasted so much of my time. Try a movie like Somewhere in Time for a good story.
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| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Darren Aronofsky |
| Cast: | Ellen Burstyn, Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Run time: | 96 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 22, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | May 15, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some intense sequences of violent action, some sensuality and language. |
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