Medicine Man

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Medicine Man
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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 Medicine Man is an adventure-drama with non-sexual nudity, occasional language, and sexist attitudes. Lorraine Bracco plays biochemist Rae Crane who journeys into the Amazon jungle to find out more about the work of her reclusive peer Robert Campbell (Sean Connery). Both Crane and Campbell are hard-headed and stubborn, but highly capable in their fields and somewhat capable of working together. However, Campbell displays sexist attitudes. They welcome collaboration with the native population and Campbell speaks their language. The main cast is White and American, but the ethnic supporting cast are shown in a positive light. The threat to their environment and well-being are both portrayed as negative. There is very little violence, but an altercation leads to some trauma and injury, and a fire that places people in peril. Nudity is more common, owing to the traditional dress of the native population. Crane also appears topless and is viewed from the rear in one scene. Her full nudity is implied but not shown. Language includes blaspheming and one use of "f--k." Crane becomes drunk after drinking a local beverage -- which she jokingly and drunkenly fantasizes about mass marketing -- and there is some smoking.
What's the Story?
MEDICINE MAN follows two mismatched scientists -- Dr. Robert Campbell (Sean Connery) and Dr. Rae Crane (Lorraine Bracco) -- as they explore the Amazonian jungle for a remarkable cure.
Is It Any Good?
A muddled action-adventure in the mould of Romancing the Stone, this 1992 adventure-drama boasts a talented leading duo in Bracco and Connery but not the script to match. As bickering scientists, Medicine Man's two leads never quite convince as either peers or as possible romantic partners. Connery's wayward jungle explorer, Campbell, is a boorish sexist when we meet him and displays only a few redeeming features as we learn more about his work and his past. Likewise, Bracco's superficial transplant from New York City, Crane, is only slightly less self-absorbed by the movie's end.
As the duo search for an elusive cancer cure, there's much holding up of test tubes and looking at print outs, but no real chemistry. The existential threats to the native population matters more, and at its best the movie delivers a search and rescue storyline with a bit more compassion. But the urge to intermittently play things for laughs means we get an awkward fight scene and a drunken character in peril along the way, before a stark tonal shift for the big finale. Essentially the story of two egomaniacs living off the grid, by the end you're happy to leave them to it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Amazonian setting in Medicine Man. How much do you know about this part of the world? How were the environmental issues the characters discussed still relevant today?
Discuss the clash between scientific research and business. Why was Campbell so dismissive of the financial side of his work? Why was Crane preoccupied with commercialization?
Talk about Campbell's attitude to women in the movie. Did this impact how you felt about him? How might his character be different if the movie was made today?
Movie Details
- In theaters: February 7, 1992
- On DVD or streaming: August 17, 1999
- Cast: Sean Connery, Lorraine Bracco, José Wilker
- Director: John McTiernan
- Studio: Buena Vista Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: STEM, Adventures, Science and Nature
- Run time: 106 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- Last updated: January 9, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love adventure
Themes & Topics
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