Video/DVD Review: Stand by Me
Rated by 2 members
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that despite its preteen stars, this
should by no means be considered a children's movie. Aside from
the abundance of profanity, implied and displayed violence, and
sexually suggestive material, the predominance of
adult-oriented themes dealing with the disillusionment of
adolescence requires a mature, adult-outlook. There is plenty
of sexual innuendo and alcohol and cigarette consumption by
kids. A dead body is shown. Acts of violence are both alluded
to and shown on film. Stories about parental physical and
emotional abuse are not shown but are mentioned frequently and
are integral to the story.
Families can talk about the motives that compel the characters
(adolescent children) to seek refuge in reckless behavior. They
may also want to address the subject of death -- whether it be
a sibling or a stranger and its effect on family members.
STAND BY ME (based on Stephen King's novella) revolves around four small-town 12-year-old boys who set out on a trek to find a dead body. The team overcomes oncoming trains, a disgusting bout with leeches, and the rival advances of a competing "gang" to collect the prize of seeing a dead body.
The movie accurately depicts the painful process of maturation that has plagued both teens and preteens for ages. In many ways, the conclusion of the quest signifies the end of innocence (or at least childhood) for the principles, as the four boys are never quite the same after making their gruesome discovery.
The film's brilliance ultimately lies in its all-embracing adherence to the immutable rules of reality. Stand by Me goes to considerable lengths to identify the issues and accurately portray the pressures that lead to the disenchantment of teens everywhere. The boys' unyielding sense of camaraderie and irrepressible spirit of youth sees them through towering adversity that is ultimately admired, and at the same time abhorred.
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Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
