Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Politician makes case for JFK murder as conspiracy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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JFK
What's the Story?
Two monumental questions remain about the death of President John F. Kennedy: Was his assassination the result of a conspiracy involving more than a single gunman positioned in the Texas Book Depository, and if so, who conspired to kill him? Filmmaker Oliver Stone answers the first question with an emphatic "yes" in favor of the conspiracy. For his answer to the "who," Stone turns to the real-life efforts in the late 1960s of New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) and his quest to reveal the villains as well as the theory behind the plot.
The movie is filled with Garrison's dizzying assortment of suspects: from angry anti-Castro activists to organized crime figures, hangers-on, political heavyweights, even a cabal of menacing gay power brokers. And to oppose Garrison's crusade, there are the many in office who wanted to shut down the investigation and let the official government explanation (The Warren Report) prevail.
Is It Any Good?
JFK is a well-made work of suspense, intrigue, and drama, all based on trying to solve one of the greatest mysteries of our time. Oliver Stone has tackled such enormous issues and larger-than-life subjects before. He's adept at managing a huge cast, complicated plotting, and weighty topics. JFK is no exception. He presents his case in a clear and decisive manner. He has enlisted an impressive group of supporting players (Tommy Lee Jones, Sissy Spacek, Kevin Bacon, Gary Oldman, Joe Peschi among many), as well as some of the world's greatest actors in cameo appearances (Walter Matthau, Donald Sutherland, Jack Lemmon). Is the theory plausible? Was Garrison a hero or a hack? Courageous or reckless? Whatever the audience comes away with, it's definitely worth a watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about an art form, in this case filmmaking, used as a powerful political tool. Was JFK successful at provoking thought about President Kennedy's assassination? What tools could you use to further verify or invalidate the film's point of view? Have you seen other movies that advocate a particular cause, or present a controversial issue? Other works of art (i.e. music, painting, literature)?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 20, 1991
- On DVD or streaming : April 8, 1997
- Cast : Gary Oldman , Kevin Costner , Sissy Spacek
- Director : Oliver Stone
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 206 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for Language
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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