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Dr. No
Common Sense says
- PG
- 1963
- 111 minutes
Parents say
Kids say
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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 Dr. No is the first James Bond 007 movie, from 1962. It contains fighting, shooting, and killing, with a little blood shown. It's relatively tame today, but was arguably among the more violent movies made in 1962. Though Bond is a hero, striving to solve problems and protect the world from evil, his methods are questionable. He has a "license to kill," he seduces several women (no nudity shown), drinks, smokes cigarettes, gambles, and generally bosses people around. Despite all this, he projects an image of cool confidence, and he has fascinated generations of action movie fans. Since the series is still ongoing 50 years later, teens will be interested in going back to see earlier entries.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
PG
Not too violent, but the film is pretty suggestive.
Great action, maybe a bit too intense for young viewers.
Surprisingly not a very good Bond film; extremely cheesy. Since violence is quite minimal and mild, and sexual content only goes up to the point of innuendo and kissing (what surprise for Bond!), this would probably still keep its PG rating today.
What's the story?
James Bond (Sean Connery), is a British Secret Service agent who has been called upon to investigate suspicious activity in Jamaica. With the help of an earthy Jamaican (John Kitzmiller) and an American CIA agent (Jack Lord), Bond attempts to unravel the mystery of who or what is interfering with rocket launches in the States.
Is it any good?
Not quite as streamlined or cohesive as many of its successors, DR. NO introduces James Bond, one of the most enduring figure of Western cinema, to the world. Considering how many sequels this modest action-spy film spawned, it's worth asking why this refined roué has stuck around as long as he has.
The answer, for better or worse, probably lies in the unapologetic way the film plays to undomesticated male fantasies. The action is wooden and the plot contrived, but it sure is fun to look at.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about what qualities of James Bond one might want to emulate. What makes people think James Bond is cool? What is different about the world in which he lives in than our world?
How are women portrayed in this movie? Can you think of any movies that treat men in the same eye candy way? Who is this movie intended for and how can you tell?
Movie details
- In theaters: May 8, 1963
- On DVD or streaming: May 16, 2000
- Cast: Jack Lord, Sean Connery, Ursula Andress
- Director: Terence Young
- Studio: MGM/UA
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Adventures
- Run time: 111 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
Themes & Topics
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.