Parents' Guide to King of Clones

Movie NR 2023 85 minutes
King of Clones movie poster: High-angle view of a herd of black and white sheep with stenciled numbers featured on their left sides, and white capital letters of the documentary's title King of Clones and a capital red N, the logo design Netflix, the film's distributor, in the upper left hand corner

Common Sense Media Review

Sabrina McFarland By Sabrina McFarland , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Insightful docu about use of experimental biotechnology.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

  • till from King of Clones: South Korean stem cell scientist Huang Woo-suk looks at an interviewer and the camera while pointing to an object during a conversation about his work, wearing light blue medical scrubs that include a hair cap, mask, and body suit
  • Still from King of Clones: Black and white newspaper article about the professional career fall of South Korean stem cell scientist Huang Woo-suk, which features a photo of the researcher, wearing a shadow-created crown, and a circle of 10 kings from a chess board game are featured below the image, as well as several laboratory test tubes to the left and one Pipette, or suction device, to the right
  • Still from King of Clones: South Korean stem cell scientist Huang Woo-suk seated with hands folded inside a laboratory for a firsthand interview in front of a camera, wearing a white Oxford shirt with the collar opened and brown pants and belt

Parent and Kid Reviews

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What's the Story?

KING OF CLONES is a documentary that explores the ethical behavior conducted by South Korean scientist Dr. Hwang Woo-suk. Also a trained veterinarian, Dr. Hwang is a global success in the field of stem cell research. His work involves the cloning of species such as camels, cats, and horses, and includes the possibility of cloning people. Through firsthand interviews, archival footage and photos, and reenactments, the film shares Dr. Hwang's journey from superstar to scandalous scientist.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

The film, with its oftentimes high-tech premise, can be an educational and enlightening view of clone technology. "Some say cloning is wrong," notes Dr. Hwang Woo-suk in King of Clones. "It is interfering with the will of God and the process of natural creation. Cloning is not that technology. What cloning is is a genetic copy. I take pride in our science and technology."

Hwang, however, faces criticism for alleged unethical behavior in attempts to use cloning technology that involves people. "All of us," says Dr. Paul Root Wolpe, an expert on the process of cloning and science ethics teacher, "whether we're a scientist or a plumber or a baseball player, have to take responsibility for the ethics of our work and the implications of our work on others." Families will have much to discuss and debate after viewing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the communication of the cast in King of Clones. How do they also demonstrate courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

  • What do you think about Dr. Hwang Woo-suk's proposed use of cloning that involves people? What could be the possible pros and cons of this process?

  • What do you think about the development of a technology that would benefit the advancement of one's country?

Movie Details

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King of Clones movie poster: High-angle view of a herd of black and white sheep with stenciled numbers featured on their left sides, and white capital letters of the documentary's title King of Clones and a capital red N, the logo design Netflix, the film's distributor, in the upper left hand corner

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