Heaven's Gate

Parents need to know that Heaven's Gate is an incredibly violent Western, with multiple death scenes, sexual violence, and nudity. Despite its 1890s setting, the movie remains relevant today as it depicts the prejudice immigrants and refugees often face. The violence and hatred is born out of fear of a community of European settlers in Wyoming. But the film is always sure to paint them as the victims to the actions of the racist landowners. There are few redeemable characters, but the lead, Sheriff James Averill (Kris Kristofferson), is a man with a good heart, using his wealth and power to help those without either. Ella Watson (Isabelle Huppert) too is an entrepreneur of sorts, and strong-willed, in a sea of men who generally seek to exploit her. The violence is unforgiving and relentless with countless dead bodies and deafening gunshots. There is a gang-rape scene which some viewers may find difficult to watch, and an upsetting cockfight too -- the movie has long been plagued by accusations of animal cruelty during filming. There is full frontal female nudity on a handful of occasions, yet it is always brief and there are no actual sex scenes. Characters use "f--k" on occasion and there are lots of scenes showing characters drinking and smoking -- as befitting the time period -- some of which are incredibly drunk, acting up, or passing out inebriated. Due to the relentless violence, this is a movie aimed at older teens and adults only. It's also worth noting the 219 minute runtime.