 | 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. |
The Order
- Review Date: January 25, 2004
- R
- Genre: Thriller
- 2003
Common Sense Media says
There's little reason to watch this mess.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie has a lot of peril and violence, some very graphic, including suicide and murder. There is brief strong language. There is a moderately explicit sexual situation with some nudity. Some audience members will be offended by the portrayal of the Catholic church and the behavior of the priests and a cardinal. Some may also be offended by the idea of the sin eaters, believing that sins should only be expiated through sincere atonement and not through some spiritual "get out of jail free" card.
What's the story?
In this religious mystery/thriller, Father Alex Bernier (Heath Ledger) is sent to Rome to investigate the murder of the head of his secret sect, the Carolingians. In Rome, Bernier is aided in his investigation by his old friend Father Garrett (Mark Addy) and artist Mara (Shannyn Sossamon). The investigation uncovers the possibility that others may have also been killed in a religious ritual involving a "sin eater," who absorbs another person's sins by eating a piece of bread that was placed on the subject's chest just before death.
Is it any good?
There are so many things wrong with THE ORDER. The plot provides many opportunities for boring and pretentiously portentous dialogue that sounds like a bad parody: "You surpass even the Jesuits in your heretical search for knowledge," or "Knowledge is the enemy of faith," or "We're the Catholic Pete, Linc, and Julie." Yep, we can always use a Mod Squad reference in what is supposed to be a dark and disturbing gothic thriller.
Also, scenes are either washed out or too dark. Settings feature the typical crumbling manuscripts and dripping candles, a decaying mansion, an underground lair, a graveyard at midnight. A pair of silent children are supposed to look threatening, but they just look like a Keene painting. Finally, there is no energy to move the narrative along, dissipating any tension and providing much too much time to dwell on the logical inconsistencies.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about their notion of expiation of sin.
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AGE
I liked this
I'm a huge fan of Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, and Brian Helgeland, as well as religious-themed films, so I really loved this movie. The story was fascinating and the acting by Ledger was really fantastic. Definitely not for kids though, or those Christians who are easily offended by negative portrayal of their Church.
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| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | Brian Helgeland |
| Cast: | Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Shannyn Sossamon |
| Genre: | Thriller |
| Run time: | 102 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 4, 2003 |
| DVD release date: | December 29, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | violent images, sexuality and language |
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