 | 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. |
What Dreams May Come
- Review Date: May 19, 2003
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 1998
Common Sense Media says
Lush drama is worthwhile for thoughtful teens.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie has brief strong language and disturbing imagery.
What's the story?
Robin Williams plays Chris Nielson, a doctor who arrives in heaven after he is killed by a car as he attempts to help the victims of an accident. His wife, Annie (Anabella Sciorra), already devastated by the loss of their two children four years earlier, begins to fall apart, and commits suicide. As Chris explores heaven, he realizes that it cannot be heaven for him without her. But, as a suicide, she is consigned to hell. With the help of a guide, he embarks on an Orpheus-like journey.
Is it any good?
The lush visual beauty of this movie and the interesting issues it raises make it worthwhile for thoughtful teens who are drawn to questions about death and meaning and making profound connections. Those who have endured their own real losses may find it superficial, and some be disturbed to find the concepts of heaven and hell inconsistent with their own notions. They are not even consistent within their own assumptions. But some teens will appreciate the chance to use this movie to talk about what their heaven would look like (the film's web site gives them a chance to create a version online and post it) and how the characters' struggle makes them think differently about their relationships and priorities.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Chris' relationships with his children, and how he thinks about what he should have done differently after their death. Teens may also like to learn about the myth of Orpheus, to see the similarities and differences.
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AGE
Extremely confusing the first couple times you watch this.
This movie is pretty good, but slightly boring because of the confusing flashbacks, and unexplained scenes. You should note that there is breif, but strong language throughout the film. Grown ups will most likely be a little confused too. There are also disturbing, graphic scenes. The last thing is, is the movie is made up of opinions such as why some people go to hell, or what your heaven will be made of, so it is difficult to watch if you have a loved one who has been in a difficult situation, and the movie is showing where they might be (heaven, or hell), because it does show each.
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AGE
great
i loved it!! it's an awesome movie, and it really makes you appreciate life and what you have after watching it. it shows what heaven, and hell, may look like in the after life. i thought it was great. the only thing is the scenes with hell, and i think there may of been some scenes with bad language, but overall it's a great movie.
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| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Vincent Ward |
| Cast: | Annabella Sciorra, Cuba Gooding Jr., Robin Williams |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 113 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 2, 1998 |
| DVD release date: | March 4, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic elements involving death, some disturbing images and language |
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