Parents' Guide to

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Smart, mature film about love, lust, and more.

Movie PG-13 2008 97 minutes
Vicky Cristina Barcelona Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 16+

Based on 4 parent reviews

SEmir16
SEmir16 Parent of 14-year-old
April 2, 2022
age 18+

Not a kid or teen movie

I find it hard to believe that this movie’s official age rating in the US is just 13-plus. It is actually rated for much higher ages in some other countries (Australia 15+ Singapore 18+) and quite rightly so. The film certainly has mature content that portrays lots of sexuality and passionate sex scenes, if not outright nudity. The whole screenplay is based on what first started as short term sexual / romantic adventures of two female friends (one of which is engaged and about to marry her fiancé) with the same Don Juan-character man while visiting Spain that also includes a three-some relationship, alcohol and some use of profanity. Not a type of movie you wouldn’t want your 13 year-old to watch and get ideas from. The beautiful views of Barcelona and Spanish country side, great cinematography and amazing acting of the very-talented Penelope Cruz are all worth watching, but the point of the movie really hangs in the air at the end. One thing is certain though: It is definitely not a movie suitable for kids and teens.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
moviemadness
moviemadness Adult
July 18, 2011
age 18+

Good Allen Film for Adults -No kids

Vicky Christina Barcelona was just ok. The plot was interesting, as were the themes, but it delved into immaturity and excess a little too often for my tastes. I am surprised that this one earned a PG-13 rating because it is ALL about sexual relationships, inhibitions, and passionate connections. It is heady, lusty, and very, very adult. No kids.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
1 person found this helpful.
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) are best friends summering in Barcelona who discover that they may not want what they have -- nor have what they want. They're polar opposites. Vicky is studied and exact, researching a paper on Catalan culture as she prepares for her wedding to the very dependable Doug (Chris Messina). And Cristina is a dilettante -- she's just finished making a film she no longer likes and thinks she may want to be a photographer instead -- who longs for a romantic adventure post-breakup. So it's a bit surprising that they fall for the same guy. And, as it turns out, the man of their dreams -- painter Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) -- likes them both, as well as his fantastically beautiful, wildly temperamental ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz). Vicky's shocked at the feelings Juan Antonio incites, while Cristina just goes with the flow, even if it means sharing him. In no time, entanglements get even more complicated, forcing everyone to take risks, lose big and, in true Woody Allen fashion, wind up slightly off-center from where they started.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (6):

After a few interesting-yet-tepid films, Woody Allen is a wonder once more with this sexy, witty inspection of love, lust, and marriage basking under a stunning Mediterranean sun. Gifted with a cast that's near flawless, a stunningly beautiful city, and a script that hits a high water mark, Allen doesn't do much wrong here.

Though there are a few exceptions: Using yet another voiceover narrator creates distance when none is needed. It's also distracting. And though Johansson is a sight to behold -- and is better here than in previous Allen outings -- she still seems to be approximating who her character is instead of inhabiting it. Some scenes also tend toward talky, which is typical of the director's work. But, oh, Penelope Cruz! Allen brings out the best in her and photographs her impeccably, too. She's rage-filled and troubled, wickedly funny, and breathtaking. In her, Allen has found a new muse. Now can he come back to New York and wield his camera once more?

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the film's take on relationships -- both between friends and between lovers. Do you think the characters' relationships are realistic? What makes Vicky and Cristina such good friends? How is their friendship tested by Juan Antonio? Fans of Woody Allen can also discuss how this movie compares to his other films. What do his movies tend to have in common?

Movie Details

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