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Head in the Clouds (R, 2004)

common sense media says

This soapy saga is for adults only.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie has extremely explicit sexual references and situations, including orgies, promiscuity, sadism, and same-sex relationships. Characters drink, smoke, and use very strong language. The movie has battle and other wartime violence, torture, and sexual violence. Characters are injured and killed.

Violence: Battle violence, sexual violence, car crash.
Sex: Very explicit sexual references and situations including multiple partners, same-sex partners, nudity.
Language: Very strong language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Drinking and smoking, characters get drunk.
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More on Head in the Clouds

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about their own views on determinism vs. free will and how we decide when to become involved in others' fights for freedom.

What's the story?

What's the story?
HEAD IN THE CLOUDS follows a love triangle that lasts through the turbulent decades of Europe from the roaring '20s through World War II. Glamorous heiress Gilda (Charlize Theron) lives for pleasure. Shy and serious Cambridge student Guy (Stuart Townsend) is dazzled by her beauty, honesty, and free-spirit. She is drawn to him, but does not let herself get too close to him and only allows brief, passionate encounters. While Gilda thinks that the misery and injustice all around them is all the more reason to enjoy everything they can, Guy believes he's obligated to fight for freedom. Guy quits his teaching job in England to live as a bohemian photographer in Paris with Gilda. She has taken in Spanish dancer and nurse-in-training Mia (Penelope Cruz). The sweep of passion and history bring the three together and separate them, as Guy and Mia go off to fight in the Spanish Civil War and Guy returns to find Gilda living with a Nazi officer.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Head in the Clouds is a soapy saga of love, war, and many, many hairstyles. Even with all of the passion and sweep and the star power of its actors, the movie feels as pre-determined as its main character's fatalistic outlook.

The scenes are filled with themes and historical events of great power, and yet they never pulse with life. Gilda is a fantasy madonna/whore figure, and the characters' petty problems and debates, intended to illuminate what is going on around them, are a distraction instead.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: John Duigan
Cast: Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz, Stuart Townsend
Genre: Drama
Run time: 133 minutes
Theatrical release: September 17, 2004
DVD release: January 25, 2005
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: sexuality, nudity and some violence
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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