 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Shame
- Review Date: December 2, 2011
- NC-17
- Genre: Drama
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Powerful drama about sex addiction is NOT for kids.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the NC-17-rated Shame is all about sex addiction, and the movie is filled with nudity, destructive sexual behavior, strong simulated sex scenes, and innuendo. Some of the sex scenes play out a big roughly; there's also violence in the form of a bar fight (not entirely shown) and a bloody suicide attempt. Expect pretty frequent swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t"), plenty of drinking, and one scene in which the main character snorts cocaine.
What's the story?
Brandon Sullivan (Michael Fassbender) has a problem. He can't seem to control his addiction to sex. Women throw themselves at him, and he sleeps with him. He hires prostitutes, watches porn on his computer (even at work), and masturbates compulsively. He tries to keep this life secret, but things get complicated when Brandon upsets his boss' plans to pick up a girl in a bar. The boss also discovers a cache of porn on Brandon's computer hard drive. At the same time, Brandon's sister (Carey Mulligan) arrives and asks to stay with him. This new situation, coupled with Brandon's shame and self-loathing, leads to many sibling arguments. Can she help, or will Brandon need to hit rock bottom first?
Is it any good?
Despite SHAME's graphic content, director Steve McQueen (who also directed 2008's Hunger) presents the material in a respectful, artistic manner, favoring long takes and spare dialogue. This quiet, moody film focuses more on character behavior than plot or a conclusion. Rather than a stern treatise on the dangers of sexual addiction, McQueen's approach allows viewers to enter into the situation at their own pace and find their own emotional connection.
While the movie's erotic content stands out, McQueen creates many other, memorable scenes, such as Brandon weeping at his sister sings a slow, moving rendition of "New York, New York" in a nightclub, or a mesmerizing scene in which Brandon jogs down the streets of New York for long minutes, drowning out the noise with Glenn Gould on his headphones and trying to re-focus himself. In the two lead roles, Fassbender and Mulligan tread dangerous territory, and both succeed admirably.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's sexual content. What is sex addiction? Can it be treated? What are the real-life consequences of this kind of problem?
Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding relationships and sex, particularly when it comes to staying safe.
Where and how does the title Shame come into play?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 10 years old
December 5, 2011
AGE
bad book
this movie has the most dirty stuff ever don't get it
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AGE
Excellent depiction of self-destructive behavior
First off, not a family movie. That being said it is a very well done, bleak depiction of sexual addiction and the destructive habits that can come from emotional damage. I have seen this movie critized for having unattractive sex scenes but it was obvious that was the intention. This movie shows the ugly truth of addiction, which could be applied to many other forms of addiction, and does not glorify the subject. At a parents discretion, it could be used as an educational tool and/or warning for older teens who may be heading down their own destructive path.
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| Studio: | Fox Searchlight |
| Director: | Steve McQueen |
| Cast: | Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale, Michael Fassbender |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 101 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 2, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | April 17, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | NC-17 |
| MPAA explanation: | some explicit sexual content |
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