Rose in BC Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 My son asked me to ask the WTM crew. It's not something we would agree to based on what I know but I haven't seen it. He's looking for back up . . .and so am I ? :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in TN Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 There are a few parts that I'm a little uncomfortable with my 13ds watching. I wouldn't have let him watch it when he was 12. Have you read Screenit's review? I almost always read their reviews before watching movies. http://www.screenit.com/movies/2008/the_dark_knight.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay in Cal Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I'm pretty liberal about movies and such... but I personally found The Dark Knight very disturbing. Not so much just the violence, but the psychotic meaningless violence was waaaay too realistic for me. My dh loved it, but I would probably nix a 12 year old... or even a 13 year old. Maybe 15. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillary in KS Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Dh and I just watched this. Our ds 13 has seen the Pirates movies, the Raiders movies, and the Star Wars movies. He's also see the last Batman. But we did not allow him to watch this. It was just too.... what's the word.... brutal? graphic? disturbing? dark? As an adult, I thought it was well done. I thought the message was quite timely. Dh and I discussed the whole "Sometimes you have to put up with people thinking you're the bad guy when you're doing what is right" issue. But ultimately, it was too much for a 13 yo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I took my ds aged 17 and 15 to see it, but told ds 12 he'd have to wait. I may let him see it on DVD (the small screen is much less overwhelming) but I won't take him to the theatre. SWB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate CA Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I took my ds aged 17 and 15 to see it, but told ds 12 he'd have to wait. I may let him see it on DVD (the small screen is much less overwhelming) but I won't take him to the theatre. SWB I agree 100%. This was one disturbing movie. *I* don't even really want to see it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura in VA Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 (edited) My ds (16) just watched it a few weeks ago. He said Ledger's character was very, very disturbed. He told me he didn't think I should watch it. Edited January 9, 2009 by Laura in VA to correct the facts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missplacedalaskan Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 We watched it with ClearPlay and I didn't mind it, but it is a very dark, disturbing movie. If we didn't have ClearPlay I would not let Ds (13) or Dd (16...but not her type of movie) watch it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I found the movie to be extremely dark. I would not let a 12yo watch it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 We took our son to see it at the theater, he was 10 almost 11. If I had a sensitive child or if it were in question, no I don't think they should see it. DS is very interested in movie making and special effects and it did not trouble him at all. We did have several conversation before and after the movie, many of them revolving around the craft of the movie. It is a lot darker than Batman Begins so I wouldn't even use that as a gauge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose in BC Posted January 8, 2009 Author Share Posted January 8, 2009 I will be sure to relay these comments ('cause they're mostly in favour of our initial gut instinct :)) to my son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillary in KS Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 My ds (16) just watched it a few weeks ago and said he wasn't surprised that Ledger committed suicide. He said his character was very, very disturbed. He told me he didn't think I should watch it. Heath Ledger didn't commit suicide. It was an accidental overdose. He was taking two prescription medications that conflicted with each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I was spooked watching it on DVD...Ledger is soooo CREEPY good!!!!! I would not let my 12-yr-old watch it (not that she wanted to anyway). My non-autistic 17-yr-old was the Joker for Halloween - has t-shirts, posters, etc. with the character - he does a scary imitation of Ledger!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I really loved the craft of this movie, and I think Heath is a shoo-in for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. But it was creepy, disturbing, extremely dark, and very violent. Even tho Heath didn't commit suicide (although there were suspicions of such), he did comment that he had a hard time shaking this role. There was only one point in the movie when I could even see "him" and not the Joker. His posture, his voice, his subtle and not so subtle mannerisms (the licking lips thing...creeepyyy), his death wish ("Come on, hit me!")--he makes the movie. I thought it was excellent. No way would I take a 12 yo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 They are very dark. I enjoyed the 1st one, personally but the 2nd one was way too much for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holly IN Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 We didn't let our 11 yr old watch it. I wouldn't even let the 12 yr old watch it either. My son is 14 and he watched it. I asked him about this and here is what he said. "It depends on the kid. Has he watched horror movies? If not then NO. If he has then yes. HOwever he said it is really not appropriate for anybody under 13" My dh would say no though. He said it is a very dark movie. He would be better off watching the older movie with the actor Keaton. Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose in BC Posted January 8, 2009 Author Share Posted January 8, 2009 We didn't let our 11 yr old watch it. I wouldn't even let the 12 yr old watch it either. My son is 14 and he watched it. I asked him about this and here is what he said. "It depends on the kid. Has he watched horror movies? If not then NO. If he has then yes. HOwever he said it is really not appropriate for anybody under 13" My dh would say no though. He said it is a very dark movie. He would be better off watching the older movie with the actor Keaton. Holly Horror is not a genre that I would watch so if that's what this show is then it's not coming in the front door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in the Kootenays Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I watched it with my 13 yo ds and he was fine with it. However, if I knew then what it was like, neither he nor I would have watched it. I found it too dark and disturbing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 I have to say that was just based on pure desire, by him, to see it (and a bunch of kids from our hs group went together). I have not seen it and have no desire to. I'll keep my Heath Ledger memories from A Knight's Tale and The Patriot. I don't want to see him like this... Oh, and besides, I'm really not into the Batman thing. I have watched the first Spiderman, which I thought was OK, but I've never seen a Batman, Superman or anything else along those lines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peek a Boo Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 I'm pretty liberal about movies and such... but I personally found The Dark Knight very disturbing. Not so much just the violence, but the psychotic meaningless violence was waaaay too realistic for me. My dh loved it, but I would probably nix a 12 year old... or even a 13 year old. Maybe 15. yeah. we do a lot of 'older/ graphic' movies too, but even my dh mentioned that we'll leave this one on the store shelf right next to Deliverance. ;) We need more movies like Superman :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 No, I wouldn't let my son watch it at 12, and we let him watch Pirates, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, LOTR, Narnia... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura in VA Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 Heath Ledger didn't commit suicide. It was an accidental overdose. He was taking two prescription medications that conflicted with each other. I apologize for the inaccurate info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest janainaz Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 Yes. It is the battle of good and evil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kris Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 I really loved the craft of this movie, and I think Heath is a shoo-in for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. But it was creepy, disturbing, extremely dark, and very violent. Even tho Heath didn't commit suicide (although there were suspicions of such), he did comment that he had a hard time shaking this role. There was only one point in the movie when I could even see "him" and not the Joker. His posture, his voice, his subtle and not so subtle mannerisms (the licking lips thing...creeepyyy), his death wish ("Come on, hit me!")--he makes the movie. I thought it was excellent. No way would I take a 12 yo. We just saw this last week. We all *loved* it but it was *so* creepy. I had forgotten Heath Ledger was in it and spent half the movie trying to figure out who The Joker *was*! Amazing -- just amazing. I don't think my son, at 12, would have been old enough to watch this movie. I'm not so sure I'm old enough now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alana in Canada Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 Not knowing a THING, we let our 11 year old watch it on DVD as a Christmas break "treat." He said it was a waste of money. This is what he said: there was too much action and suspense to sit all the way through it. He didn't understand the plot. It was confusing. He couldn't hear them talking. (We have an ancient TV with built in speakers--no surround sound!) don't know if that helps--but sometimes I think we think kids get the same things out of movies that we do. They don't. But I do hope we haven't scarred him for life by letting him see it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 Once again I am the odd man out. Both mine have seen it. Neither was freaked out. Fi thought it was a bit long, but not surprising for an eight year old. They both know it is make-believe (show-biz). I think it depends on the kid though more than age. Many here (adults) would rather not go... The original comics were very dark. Do those of you would did not let your kids see the movie, let them read the original Frank Miller or even DC comics? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowWhite Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 yeah. we do a lot of 'older/ graphic' movies too, but even my dh mentioned that we'll leave this one on the store shelf right next to Deliverance. ;) We need more movies like Superman :D Dh and I saw this in the theaters and both agreed that it was a waste of time and money for us. He described the "aftertaste" of the movie as rage. He said it made him want to put his fist through a wall (and he's a very mellow guy). Not because of the way it turned out, but just the atmosphere the movie projected. We advised FIL not to watch it. And we are fairly liberal about movies, particularly when superheroes are involved. Ds7 has seen all the Spiderman movies and all of the Star Wars (though we fast forward parts here and there, particularly episode 3). We LOVED Ironman and took ds7 to see it in the theater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deece in MN Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 Once again I am the odd man out. Both mine have seen it. Neither was freaked out. Fi thought it was a bit long, but not surprising for an eight year old. They both know it is make-believe (show-biz). I think it depends on the kid though more than age. Many here (adults) would rather not go... The original comics were very dark. Do those of you would did not let your kids see the movie, let them read the original Frank Miller or even DC comics? Well, I'll be odd with you. ;) My dh and ds went to the theater to see it and thought it was a good movie. We ended up getting this for my ds for Christmas. We all watched it one night (well I only sort of watched it, I was in the same room but was doing other things). All I am going to say is that no one here has been scarred by watching this movie and I am sure it will be watched again. :) Oh, my dc are 14 & 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MKS Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 This probably isn't helpful, but for me, it would depend on the child. This movie was violent, yes, but if you compare it to other movies that I think are good movies (Q. Tarantino, for example), it's not terribly violent. If you compare it to other movies that I don't think are good (Saw, Hostel), well, it's like calling nude art "porn". This is not to say that we should be desensitzed to violence, especially children, but there is a lot of torture porn out there now, with no redeeming artistic or cinematic value, and I want my kids to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff. They'll be going to the movies without parents in just a few short years, and I very much want to be able to trust their judgement. I guess this is all my rambling way of saying that not all R ratings are created equal. As for the dark themes... yes, this movie was incredibly dark and disturbing. I think, though, it seems even more disturbing because Heath Ledger died just after filming it, the manner in which he died and the interviews he gave during its filming strongly suggest that he was dealing with substance abuse, mental illness, or both. To see how H.L. absolutely inhabited the character of a lunatic... knowing that he died right after is as spooky as... well, you know. With my stepson, my husband used this is as a springboard to discuss mental health and the dangers of prescription drugs. They also talked about the Dark Knight as proof of Ledger's amazing talent, and about how being troubled doesn't make you a bad person- Ledger obviously had redeeming qualities viewable by the world- and that the important thing is to ask for help. Because there isn't any graphic sexual content, because most of the really nasty violence is suggested or shown from several steps away, because it is an example of an R rated movie worth watching, because my stepson is mature, because we viewed it first and cleared it with his mom and stepdad, and because it lead to a quality discussion, we allowed my stepson to view the Dark Knight. No regrets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 As for the dark themes... yes, this movie was incredibly dark and disturbing. I think, though, it seems even more disturbing because Heath Ledger died just after filming it, the manner in which he died and the interviews he gave during its filming strongly suggest that he was dealing with substance abuse, mental illness, or both. To see how H.L. absolutely inhabited the character of a lunatic... knowing that he died right after is as spooky as... well, you know. . Heath Ledger didn't commit suicide. It was an accidental overdose. He was taking two prescription medications that conflicted with each other. Weren't the meds related to mental health issues? I've suffered with depression. Mixing a "dark", "disturbed" role into that would have been a toxic, counter productive mix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MKS Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 From what I've read (and discussed with my Aussie friend- in Oz, H.L. is like Elvis), Ledger suffered from debilitating insomnia that lead to depression. He slept like 45 minutes to 2 hours a day for years. (Personally, I have had comparitively mild insomnia, and for me, it lead to depression, too.) Combine that with being a workaholic, the nature of his work, and some substance abuse issues... bad news. I think he was on anti-depressants and sleep meds at the time of his death. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillary in KS Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 Joanne, I'm trying to remember. I *think* they were a couple of conflicting pain medications. I think he'd had surgery, or a procedure, or something, and was on pain medication. Something he was taking conflicted with the prescription meds. I'll try to Google some info this afternoon, but maybe someone else remembers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MKS Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 I looked it up, and H.L.'s tox screen showed oxycodone, hydrocodone (painkiller, Vicodin); diazepam (Valium); temazepam (anti-anxiety); alprazolam (Xanax); doxylamine (a sedative anti-histamine- kinda like Benadryl). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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