The Order

Movie review by Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
The Order Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 17+

There's little reason to watch this mess.

R 2003 102 minutes
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Parents say

age 17+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 18+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

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.

Community Reviews

Panya
Panya Adult
April 9, 2008
age 17+

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.
See all 1 parent review

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about their notion of expiation of sin.

Movie Details

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