 | 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 Tempest
- Review Date: December 5, 2010
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Flashy, uneven Shakespeare movie has some scary stuff.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sometimes-scary adaptation of one of Shakespeare's final plays is all about revenge. The central character, Prospero, has been changed to a woman (Prospera); she's powerful, though not exactly a positive role model, given that she's the one consumed by vengeance. Two of the male characters are seen in skimpy costumes and/or semi-nude, and there are some frightening fantasy images and threats of violence. One character is portrayed as a comical drunk who uses alcohol to influence another character's will. Teens who enjoy Shakespeare may find it an accessible adaptation, but kids who aren't fans of the Bard likely won't be interested.
What's the story?
Years ago, the duchess of Milan, Prospera (Helen Mirren), was overthrown and exiled with her young daughter. Set adrift on a raft, they wound up on a desolate island, where Prospera managed to enslave the sole resident, a creature called Caliban (Djimon Hounsou). Years later, Prospera causes a tempest that destroys a ship and brings her spiteful brother (Chris Cooper), the king of Naples (David Strathairn), prince Ferdinand (Reeve Carney), and other key players to the island. She proceeds to carefully plot her revenge, which involves, among other things, romantically linking the prince with her now-grown daughter (Felicity Jones).
Is it any good?
In 1999, director Julie Taymor delivered a dynamic, exciting version of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus (simply called Titus), but here she seems a bit less focused. Her idea to change Prospero into a woman is a good one, but it doesn't really add up to much. Other ideas are likewise underused, such as matching the playful comedy of Russell Brand to the role of Trinculo.
The production features a visual effects-enhanced Ariel (played by Ben Whishaw) that dashes to and fro and changes into a scary, dark, avenging angel. Other effects -- and the bizarre costumes (made with an endless array of zippers) -- feel flat and aren't particularly fitted to the material. Carney in particular gives a pathetic, marble-mouthed performance as the prince, but many of the other actors are terrific, including Mirren, Hounsou, and Alan Cumming as the sniggering, selfish Sebastian. Overall, even if it doesn't completely mesh, there's still much to like in this TEMPEST.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the use of alcohol in this story. Is it funny? Should it be? What messages does the movie send about drinking and alcohol?
Are there any admirable characters in this story? Is there anyone who isn't acting selfishly? Why is a play about such flawed characters considered a classic?
Did you find the movie violent? If so, how did this violence come across?
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AGE
i rate this title IFFY for ages 14+
What to watch out for
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Messages:
The main thrust of The Tempest is revenge, as Prospera tries to get even with those who wronged her years before. She plays cruel tricks on her visitors and eventually gets everything she wants. Most of the characters behave selfishly and squabble amongst themselves. There are no consequences for any of this behavior. Prince Ferdinand and Miranda are the only ones who rise above this, coming across as both naïve and redeemed by true love.
*
Role models:
Prospera -- a powerful woman and a single mother -- is an interesting role model, if not exactly a positive one: She withholds information from her daughter and is bent on revenge. And aside from the story's pair of young lovers, there are no other admirable characters; most of the players are selfish and/or cruel and pay no consequences for their behavior.
*
Violence:
No real fighting, but there are threats and shouting. Sebastian and Antonio draw their swords in an attempt to kill their king while he sleeps. There are also some frightening images when Ariel appears as a "black angel of death" and as Prospera conjures up some of her black magic.
*
Sex:
Prince Ferdinand and Miranda declare their love for each other and are seen kissing. Ariel and Caliban are seen wearing very little clothing. Caliban wears a loincloth, and Ariel's naked buttocks are on view from time to time.
*
Language:
One use of "da--ed."
*
Consumerism:
Not an issue.
*
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Stephano turns up stumbling drunk, carrying a bottle of booze. He shares it with Trinculo and then gives some to the monster, Caliban. Caliban has never tasted alcohol before, and he becomes instantly enchanted and overcome by it; he pledges his servitude to Stephano in exchange for more.
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AGE
this movie is so good! i wonder why it was shakespeares last play?
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Kid, 12 years old
February 10, 2012
AGE
good watch!
i watched this at school today and i don't get why its a 12. it's a good film, even if i didn't understand half of it.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 27, 2012
AGE
Good Movie- Ages 12 and up
This is a wonderfull movie!! I watched it the other day, and I thought it was a great, modern, portrayel of shakesphares The Tempest. There are very good messages throughout the movie. For instance, Miranda is always seen as being pure. She only kisses ferdinand once, and it is very clean, and sweet. I am 12 years old, and I didn't find anything really wrong with the movie. I watched it with my friends while an adult was present. Another incredible aspect of this movie, is that while prospera is selfish and caught up in revenge at first, towards the end of the movie the element of forgiveness comes in. Prospera forgives those who have wronged her, and renounces all her sorcery. The movie has a VERY powerfull effect and should not be missed. There is some violence, but I didn't really find it frightening. The only aspect of the movie that I didn't like, was how at times you could see Ariels butt at he flew away. That was a little gross. Also, Caliban is seen wearing a loin cloth, but he is wearing a body suit with tons of makeup, so that's really not so bad. I would say The Tempest is good for people ages 12 and up.
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| Studios: | Miramax, Touchstone Pictures |
| Director: | Julie Taymor |
| Cast: | Djimon Hounsou, Helen Mirren, Russell Brand |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 110 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 10, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | September 12, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some nudity, suggestive content and scary images |
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