 | 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. |
Titanic
- Review Date: January 10, 2005
- PG-13
- Genre: Romance
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Great movie, but not appropriate for all kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that James Cameron's King-of-the-World saga Titanic is one of the highest-grossing movies of all time and is still sure to attract young teen and tween audiences. There's brief nudity (a topless Rose poses for a nude drawing) and sexuality (Jack and Rose make love in the backseat of a car), but the forbidden romance between the main characters (played by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio) is otherwise rather chaste by today's PG-13 standards. It's the epic Titanic sinking scene that may make this movie too intense for younger kids. Throughout the mass chaos, people are fighting, shooting at each other, plunging to their watery deaths, and in some cases, even committing suicide. The fact that this is based on a historical event may be too intense for sensitive children, but mature kids fascinated with the Titanic will find it compelling to watch.
What's the story?
Director James Cameron frames the story of the TITANIC in the late 1990s, when a high-tech underwater mission uncovers hidden treasures from the legendary ship, including a nude drawing of a beautiful girl. A nearly 100-year-old woman (Gloria Stuart) reveals that she's the woman in the drawing, and the audience is then immersed in the events on board the ship from her point of view. She was Rose (Kate Winslet), a lovely young woman engaged to one of the richest men on the ship, the cool and calculating Cal (Billy Zane). Unhappy with her forced engagement, Rose briefly considers launching herself overboard but is saved by the witty, handsome Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio), a third-class passenger who won his ticket in a poker game. As the two grow closer, Cal frames Jack for stealing, and the ship hits an iceberg, throwing everyone into a catastrophic, life-and-death situation where relationships are tested and courage is rare.
Is it any good?
One of the highest-grossing movies of all time, Titanic is often considered a guilty pleasure in certain serious movie-lover circles, despite its 11 Academy Awards. But the universal appeal of Cameron's epic blockbuster is undeniable. There's an irresistible love story starring two of the best actors of their generation; dazzling visual effects that involve the most famous ship disaster of all time; a smug, rich villain so easy to hate that he should be sporting an evil, twirling mustache; a soaring James Horner score coupled with Celine Dion's hokey-but-touching "My Heart Will Go On" theme; and some fine performances by supporting actors like Kathy Bates as the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown, Frances Fisher as Rose's snobby mother, Bernard Hill (known best as King Theoden in that other epic, Lord of the Rings) as Captain Smith, Victor Garber as the Titanic architect, and, of course, Oscar-nominated Stuart as the narrator, Old Rose.
As in most of Cameron's movies, the romantic relationship led by a strong central female character is the heart of Titanic, while the action and special effects are what draw in equal numbers of women and men. It's safe to say that many young teenage girls couldn't give a hoot about the Titanic breaking in half, whereas some guys will be counting the minutes until the ship starts to sink. But that's the magic of Titanic -- a young boy can gloss right over the romance and focus on the action, while a teenage girl can concentrate on the swoon-worthy love story, and grown-ups can sit back and enjoy it all -- even if they pretend not to later.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how in the face of catastrophe, people's true characters were revealed by their choices. How do different people on board the Titanic react to the ship sinking? Who were the bravest? Who were the most selfish?
Has society's emphasis on class changed since the time period depicted in Titanic? What are other social considerations that divide people nowadays? How does Rose's life after the Titanic pay tribute to her brief love affair with Jack?
James Cameron is known for depicting strong, fearless female characters. If you're familiar with his other movies, compare Rose to Ripley (Aliens), Sarah Connor (The Terminator), and Neytiri, Trudy, and Grace (Avatar).
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AGE
Not the Worst PG-13 Ever
"I would much rather have my child see some brief, chaste nudity than be exposed to this potentially traumatizing violence." This is a silly statement for a few reasons. 1) What exactly does "chaste nudity" mean? It's a new concept for me since I thought that the very act of being naked in a film was by definition unchaste. Shows how little I know. 2) Why expose them to either? It's not like you have to choose between violence or sexuality/nudity. You can choose not to expose your children to either one and that would probably be the better choice. 3) Female nudity is appealing to guys! That's the whole reason that my family chooses to avoid movies where women are shown in any state of undress. It's not because it offends us, but because it attracts us. Naked women in films encourage young men to look at women not as people but as sexual objects. Also, when young men finally do choose to get married, they will compare their wives to the naked bodies they have seen in films and perhaps value their spouses less. Violence, on the other hand, while it can be attractive to guys, if it is handled correctly, is not nearly as damaging for young men to see. It can even be a helpful teaching tool. I would agree that this movie is not the worst PG-13 movie out there for teens to see. But I would rather choose entertainment that doesn't sexually assault the young men in my family.
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Kid, 11 years old
May 7, 2011
AGE
Just Close Your Eyes At The Right Time
I saw this movie twice. Quite a tearjerker. Jack draws Rose nude, but her nudity is not shown. They make love in one scene, and if your my age, it's best to run out of the room like I did to keep your eyes innocent. First class passengers drink, but no one gets drunk.Jack dies, and that's the first part you start crying. Then, when Rose, as an old lady, dies, she goes to Titanic heaven where you see all the people who died, which gets you crying also when you see some children.
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AGE
good reviews by kayla
Do you like history? Or even romance? Well the Titanic is definitely the movie for you. In my opinion, this is the greatest movie ever, whether it’s the story line, to the great performances by the cast or even if you’re just a big sap you will love this movie. Starring as the main characters Rose and Jack, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet they highlighted the whole movie by their great love affair with one another. Personally this movie made me sad and happy all at the same time. I think you should definitely should watch this movie.
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AGE
The best movie in history but not for under 9's
THIS IS THE BEST MOVIE EVER!!!!!!! And Celine Dion did so well with the soundtrack. But this isn't a good idea for little kids as dead bodies floating in the sea would put me off sleeping at that age. And some of the sex scenes are a bit iffy for younger kids
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AGE
Not for the Faint-Hearted
This is an amazing film. The only thing I'd worry about is seeing Rose naked, and the chance that you may cry. A lot. It is very historically accurate (barring the fact that the two protagonists are fictional). I would worry that this movie may traumatize you from ever going on a ship again, but relax. The Titanic sank 100 years ago. Some of the script is weak, but overall, Titanic is a great, sad, exciting movie.
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AGE
This has been my favorite movie since I was a young child. It is very emotional and is for mature children. This is a great movie for mature tweens and teens, a MUST SEE!!!
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AGE
Common Sense Review was right-on.
THE best movie of the century. I've never actually cried in a movie... until now. When Rose let go of Jack's hand... ugh I died! The part of the ship sinking can be disturbing-- I didn't think so, but I can easily see how it could be to some-- and it's a solid 90 minutes of the movie. The part where Rose undresses for Jack is defiantly fast-forward worthy. Swearing is definantly there but as I've said in other reviews if you/your kids know not to use it then it's fine. This movie is worth watching even if you don't usual allow your kids to hear foul language.
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Kid, 12 years old
September 25, 2011
AGE
Best movie ever
I just watched this movie and it is the best I have ever seen. It is the saddest movie I have ever seen. Rose poses nude for jack to paint a picture. implied sex is in the car. But it really is not that bad. The language doesn't matter because your so into the movie. I LOVE this movie watch before you Die.
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AGE
AMAZING!!!!
You have to realize, this is one of the best movies ever made. I Personally think that this movie is fine for 12+ it has mild kissing and it does have a topless woman posing for a painting but that scene only last 2-3 minutes. There is Some violence and some language. This is an amazing must see movie!
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AGE
Love it.
As a parent, I would never let my kids near this movie, but It's a great movie for me. The scene where Rose poses for Jack, and the implied sex is way too mature for anyone under 16. It's violent, and had language, but it's a really great movie. It's very tragic and is extremely well made. Just make sure the kids don't see it until there late teens.
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| Topics: | history |
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | James Cameron |
| Cast: | Billy Zane, Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio |
| Genre: | Romance |
| Run time: | 194 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 4, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | disaster related peril and violence, nudity, sensuality and brief language |
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