 | 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. |
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
- Review Date: August 13, 2008
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Smart, mature film about love, lust, and more.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this romantic dramedy has some risque material (infidelity, discussion of threesomes, passionate embraces), overall it's a witty, intelligent take on the complexities of relationships. As per usual with writer/director Woody Allen's work, its subject matter and complicated characters will likely appeal more to grown-ups than the teenage set. There's some social drinking and smoking and a little bit of swearing, and lovers are shown in various stages of courtship and love-making -- but there's no outright nudity.
What's the story?
Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) are best friends summering in Barcelona who discover that they may not want what they have -- nor have what they want. They're polar opposites. Vicky is studied and exact, researching a paper on Catalan culture as she prepares for her wedding to the very dependable Doug (Chris Messina). And Cristina is a dilettante -- she's just finished making a film she no longer likes and thinks she may want to be a photographer instead -- who longs for a romantic adventure post-breakup. So it's a bit surprising that they fall for the same guy. And, as it turns out, the man of their dreams -- painter Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) -- likes them both, as well as his fantastically beautiful, wildly temperamental ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz). Vicky's shocked at the feelings Juan Antonio incites, while Cristina just goes with the flow, even if it means sharing him. In no time, entanglements get even more complicated, forcing everyone to take risks, lose big and, in true Woody Allen fashion, wind up slightly off-center from where they started.
Is it any good?
Speaking of the director, welcome back, Woody! After a few interesting-yet-tepid films, he's a wonder once more with VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA, a sexy, witty inspection of love, lust, and marriage basking under a stunning Mediterranean sun. Gifted with a cast that's near flawless, a stunningly beautiful city, and a script that hits a high water mark, Allen doesn't do much wrong here.
Though there are a few exceptions: Using yet another voiceover narrator creates distance when none is needed. It's also distracting. And though Johansson is a sight to behold -- and is better here than in previous Allen outings -- she still seems to be approximating who her character is instead of inhabiting it. Some scenes also tend toward talky, which is typical of the director's work. But, oh, Penelope Cruz! Allen brings out the best in her and photographs her impeccably, too. She's rage-filled and troubled, wickedly funny, and breathtaking. In her, Allen has found a new muse. Now can he come back to New York and wield his camera once more?
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the film's take on relationships -- both between friends and between lovers. Do you think the characters' relationships are realistic? What makes Vicky and Cristina such good friends? How is their friendship tested by Juan Antonio? Fans of Woody Allen can also discuss how this movie compares to his other films. What do his movies tend to have in common?
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AGE
Sensual, moderately powerful dramedy.
I enjoyed watching this movie. Personally, I like anything with Cruz in it. She won the Best Actress in a supporting role Oscar in 2009, which was very much reserved for her. Going on to the movie, there is much mature stuff relating to sexuality. It is kind of difficult to understand for young teens. Some of it isn't very good, unless you (spoiler alert) are okay with having multiple people being in one relationship. Good performances. It is very much worth watching. Interesting movie about a psycho ex!
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AGE
A Must See
Amazing movie!!! Very mature theme, but great story line and very interesting. Explores different cultures and possibilities. Very artsy and different - but in a good way!
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AGE
Check my page for other great recommendations.
I'm not here to give a review because if it shows up on my page its a 5 star movie and so therefore you know what i think about it.
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AGE
Wonderful. OK for teens to watch!
The acting is all-around perfect, and the script is twisted and clever. Funny, sexy, and constantly entertaining. Too much sexual content for most kids, but it's safe for teens to watch.
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AGE
Acting is perfect, great seductive movie!
I own this film because of the well done acting. Cruz drives you insane as you watch her beautiful performance. Highly sexual film about two ladies taking on an adventure with a Spanish man. It is very entertaining throughout. Although its appeal is okay for younger viewers, it's a very mature film with mature dialogue & situations. Better for older teens such as myself. I enjoyed this film. It's great.
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AGE
Good Allen Film for Adults -No kids
Vicky Christina Barcelona was just ok. The plot was interesting, as were the themes, but it delved into immaturity and excess a little too often for my tastes. I am surprised that this one earned a PG-13 rating because it is ALL about sexual relationships, inhibitions, and passionate connections. It is heady, lusty, and very, very adult. No kids.
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AGE
Artistic and thought provoking
Penelope Cruz stole the show and won the Oscar for her fiesty and interesting performance as Javier Bardem's character's ex-wife who takes interest in 2 women: Vicky and Cristina. Rebecca Hall gives a great performance as the worried and frustrated Vicky who is unsure of love and similar things. Penelope Cruz's character brings a hard statement: Romance can only live when the relationship cannot be fullfilled.
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AGE
older kids
uh, one word........GREAT!!! i really recommend this for maybe a 12 or 13 year old, this movie really isnt for kids under 12 though. its really mature
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Kid, 12 years old
February 21, 2012
AGE
12+ Great film :D
This film is NOT adult. It is brilliant for anyone who likes romance and drama. Not for people who don't like films with gay/Biesexual/Lesbian Relationships in them. Brilliant movie for teens!
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| Studio: | Weinstein Co. |
| Director: | Woody Allen |
| Cast: | Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 97 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 14, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | January 27, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | mature thematic material involving sexuality, and smoking. |
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