Titanic

Rated for disaster related peril and violence, nudity, sensuality and brief language

Moral Rating:	Very Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:	18 to Adult
Style:	Romantic Drama
Length:	194 min.
MPAA Rating:

T I T A N I C Read About It

In 1912, two thousand two hundred people were aboard the Titanic. Approximately two-thirds of these people died. It is through the vision of director James Cameron that these cold statistics take on a new life. The epic “Titanic”, relives the disastrous voyage of the Titanic through the eyes of two star-crossed lovers. Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio), the streetwise underdog falls for beautiful socialite Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet). They are from different worlds and the powers that would hold each within their caste erupts with a violent nature comparable to the cataclysmic destiny of the unsinkable ship.

This fictional tale of ill fated lovers is cast on the historic background of the famed Titanic. The set design, models and computer generated effects of the now sunk ship are breath-taking. The acting is impressive, yet the characters seem a bit shallow, probably due to the tremendous number of people who we encounter in this film. The plot is predictable. There are no great surprises in “Titanic”. However, the sheer scale of this film is so awesome that I was eagerly awaiting each scene just to breath in the grand scope of the story.

“Titanic” contains brief nudity and a bedroom scene. The nudity takes place as Dawson sketches Miss Bukater, as she poses unclothed. The bedroom scene does not show sexual acts (other than some intense kissing); however, the movie does not leave any questions in the viewer mind as to what happened. Also prevalent are violence, profanity, and gore. None of these exceed the level expected when dealing with a disaster movie. The violence and gore will be too much for young audiences, and combined with the nudity and bedroom scene make this a film for adults only. There also appears to be some sort of life-after-death message in the final scenes but this is far from central.

All said, “Titanic” is a good story with the excellent support of acting and special effects. The three hours this film occupies passes relatively quickly and it is worth seeing on the big screen, just to appreciate the epic proportions of “Titanic”.

Year of Release—1997

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Let us say from the start before the curtain rose, my wife and I felt guilty thinking that the victims of the 1912 tragedy would be horrified to think that we were preparing to watch their story as entertainment. Now having watched it, we feel even more so that someone is getting rich off such human tragedy. We also agree largely with the comments made here by Chris Beach and Helene Haulti. How this got a PG-13 rating instead of an R escapes us. The love story was lame with two practically children playing immoral adult roles… meeting and having sex in a two day period and equating this with true love.

A more poignant and interesting love story would have been to explore the story of the old couple who, rather than separate, chose to lay down and die together after years of devoted commitment to one another. (But Hollywood doesn't apparently know enough about this subject to think they could make it interesting or believable). They could have shaved off nearly an hour by paring down the scenes of the couple running through flooded hallways, up stairs, down stairs, through more flooded hallways, to locked doors and gates, through more flooded hallways, ad infinitum (ad nauseum).

What stupidity to keep going further below deck on a sinking ship! We did thoroughly enjoy the realism and human drama of the gut-wrenching choices that were made, the heroism of others(not the main characters)and historical details. We drove away from the movie wishing that the director had made this a succesful documentary rather than cashing in on a weak love story and exploiting the loss of hundreds and hundreds of real human lives. But instead it is a commercial success bringing in teens and pre-teens by the droves—who should not be there. What a waste of such potential. It COULD have truly been a classic movie for all time!
—Rand E. and Maggie Morgan, ages 40 and 38

I was ashamed of myself for having taken my kids to see this movie. It is my strong belief that they should not be exposed to the type of language that was in this movie. What is the rationale for the PG-13 rating?
—Randy Clark

If the movie did not contain the nudity, I would recommend it to every person I knew. The nudity did not only detract from the quality of the film, but also was out of character for the actress.
—George R. Sooley, DC

Except for the obvious nudity and sex scene, “Titantic” was an awsome movie. The 3½ hours zip buy as the movie captivates the viewer with a great story, acting and awesome special effects. I'm not into love stories by this one was superb. Whatever you do, go see this movie!!!
—John Traylor, age 32

I'll keep this short. I agree with those who find it sad that some “Christians” have no problem with this movie. I too was angry to find blatent profanity and nudity cleverly wrapped up in this huge waste of $200 million. But it goes way beyond that for me. Not only was the dialogue sophmoric and shallow, but aside from the two main characters, the acting was horrible. Leave it to Hollywood (once again) to ruin a classic piece of history with a lack of creativity and vision. There's more skill and imagination in 10 seconds of “Sense and sensibility” than 3 hours of Titanic.
—Chris Beach, age 35

I was very moved by the final scene in Titanic, in which Rose apparently enters into Paradise. There were no class or social distinctions there, only radience and love. It was also interesting to note who was and was not there. God alone will truly be the judge on that final day. And I prefer to leave the judging to Him!
—Lillian Calkins, age 39

I have to start out by saying I can't even believe people are taking their children to see Titanic in the first place it is not a movie for children. It is not a movie that would have even interested me at the age of 13 or under. Why are people complaining about nudity when they shouldn't have taken their children in the first place, especially the people who took children under the age of 13 when it is a PG-13 movie!! I truly enjoyed this movie, I have been a Christian for 22 years and I was not offended in the least bit. I agree that they could have left out the sexual scene but I don't feel that there was pornograghy presented in this movie… EXCELLENT!!! The acting, and the effects were awesome!
—Kathy Matamoros, age 28

I enjoyed the movie, Titanic. What I valued most about the movie were the historical facts and the truths about human nature. Also, I liked the story about Rose and Jack. The New York Times recently published an article about the real Titanic which was then published by my local paper. According to the New York Times, investigative hearings revealed:

• that the Titanic didn't take ice warnings from nearby ships seriously
• there were no binoculars in the ship's Crow's Nest
• there were not nearly enough lifeboats for all aboard and boats available were being underloaded, “mainly with women and children”
• people froze to death in their life vests and one boat belatedly went back to save a handful of people

We all know the story of the Titanic, but there is a different perspective when you put faces on those thosaunds of people on board. The passengers had real feelings and emotions. During the movie, I felt as if I was on the boat myself, experiencing what they experienced. The whole movie was very thought provoking. I wondered “if I was on that ship would I stay to help people, or would I fend for myself?” The two young lovers were willing to die for each other, and this touched me. Also, I thought about how unfair it was that people were judged by class and money.(THe crew let the most “valuable” people on the lifeboats first.) This movie is very intense and real. I think adults and mature teenagers(not kids!!!) will enjoy it. There is everthing in this film: a beautiful love story, spectacular effects, powerful acting, etc. Bring a hankie and enjoy one of the best movies of the year!
—Diana, age 16

Titanic was the saddest and also the best movie I have ever seen. I usually don't go for those sentimental romances, but this was so realistic. The actors were really good, and, besides a little bit of bad language, the script was wonderful. Other than the one scene with about 2 seconds of nudity (also considering the fact that they do a pretty good job of covering it and nothing happens) the entire movie was exceptionally clean in comparison to most of today's secular films. About what age groups this film is appropriate for, it depends on what your standards are. This movie isn't nearly bad enough to be rated R, but whan I was 13, I wouldn't have been interrested in it, not because of the language or nudity, but because the story line would have been boring. I am definitely going to get this when it comes out on video.
—Hannah Sanders, age 14

My husband and I were very impressed by the movie and the detail of every aspect of this tragedy—from the authentic interior of the Titanic to the spectacular and very realistic sinking. The movie was put together beautifully and smoothly and it clips right along until one is gripping their seat in fear that they too will fall into the icy Atlantic. However, I did have a problem with the love story. This could have been an absolute classic of a movie, but Hollywood had to interject immoral sex into this love story. One needs to remember that the year was 1912 and the morality of the times was one of chivalry and that even a “kiss” after knowing someone a few days would certainly have been considered risque. But leave it to Hollywood to put a twisted 1990's morality of nudity and sex into this love story when kissing with some shocked matrons looking on would have been more fitting of the time. One must understand that a rebellion of sorts in 1912 probably would have looked somewhat different than now. Basically, what it did was pull me out of the movie and back to reality where I basically began doubting the movie because of such liberties. It added absolutely nothing to the movie and really was the detracting element. When will Hollywood ever get it? Fortunately, we did not take our younger son to see this movie. I did what others suggested—covered my eyes when I realized what was going to happen.
—Helene Hauptli, age 46

I found the “sketch scene” to be done in remarkably good taste. Jack's perspective was from an artistic point of view. It was plainly obvious that Jack didn't see her in a sexual way, instead he was very intent on his artwork, and the beauty of his subject. The older Rose held his behavior in high regard, referring to him as a gentleman and chiding those who thought the event was something base. Although the character Rose was shown nude fairly briefly, I didn't find this scene in any way arousing. I saw a young man of good character drawing a beautiful woman, much the way he would a beautiful sunset… As a Christian, of course I can't condone their behaviour in the car, and I really don't think the scene was needed… Overall, I thought this was an excellent movie. I really felt like cameras had been taken back to 1912. I would tell any fellow Christian that this movie was great, although not for kids.
—Mike Shaw, age 25

I must say that James Cameron's “Titanic” is without a doubt THE film to see. It is both a technical marvel and a testament to the history of moviemaking, yet a compelling story of survival and love amid the great maritime disaster of the 20th century. Many of the characters were indeed shallow, particularly Billy Zane's rich snobby socialite, but the story of the love between Kate Winslet's upper-class society girl of Rose, and Leonardo DiCaprio's street-smart Jack Dawson, is no different from what has been seen in films from “Romeo and Juliet” to “Aladdin” to the silent films of Charlie Chaplin. The film is worth every penny of the $200 million which was spent, and unlike some of the big-budget disasters from years past, most notably “Waterworld” and “Heaven's Gate,” “Titanic” told a sad yet compelling story that demands the viewer's attention. Yes, I could have done without the nudity and the swearing, like many of the other reviewers have said. But this will rank right up there with “Gone With the Wind” and “Star Wars” as a grand classic of 20th century cinema. Truly, “Titanic” lives up to its name… and more.
—Bill Williams, age 31

We thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The special effects were just remarkable and amazing. In my opnion the production really gave the audience a feel for what it was like to cross the Atlantic in those great ocean liners back in Edwardian days… whether you were among the rich travelling first class or among the emmigrants travelling steerage… Having crossed the Atlantic twice on the Queen Mary, I have to say that while you are aboard, you can hardly believe that these ships would sink under you… My observations are:- (1) It was far-fetched for the rich young woman in first class and the poor young man in steerage to have met at all. (2) I did approve of Jack's more selfless behavior. She was a young woman who just wanted to do her own thing. (3) I thought the captain and crew were portrayed quite unsympathetically. One almost had the impression that they were idiots, that they had never crossed the ocean before and had no clue what they were supposed to be doing . I wondered why it was necessary to give us that impression? The audience giggled and snickered at the little orchestra as it tried to make its contribution to keeping people calm—knowing that they would probably die. (4) I thought the “sex” scenes were relatively modest compared to what one sees these days—however, having said that, sex was not necessary at all—it made no difference to the storyline and it did reflect sadly on the 2 young people. (5) I have to confess to wondering HOW they managed to get her corset done up so quickly after the scene in the car—when they had to make a quick escape!! While there was behavior of which we don't approve—as there is in real life—we feel that we can use this as a teaching situation with our children—it opens doors for healthy discussion of our Christian values on many topics such as sex, social behavior, worldly attitudes, misplaced values, selfishness and altruism, human desire for power and control, arrogance, cowardice and courage—and it provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate compassion towards those “sinners” who are just like us.
—Lauren Myers, age 49

Magnificent. Titanic was breathtaking. I was disheartened by the many negative reviews listed on this sight. The nudity was shocking, but I wouldn't be so appalled by it as to base my hatred for the entire film. If the Bible had pictures, would we simply ignore Genesis? I know that there are many conservative people out there, but lighten up. Simply pass the word about any objectionable comment to warn other parents. If you see past this, the film of love and love lost aboard the grand ship can really touch you. Every person (Christian and non) I've recommended to see the movie has loved it.
—Chris Master

After seeing the movie I, too, was shocked at the nudity which was far from brief, and out of place. However, I cannot understand why parents with children at or below the age of 13 would be surprised that the content was not suitable for their children. After all, the “PG-13” rating is based on Hollywood's morals. Maybe next time we should all visit this web site BEFORE exposing ourselves or children to something we'll regret.
—R. Repke, Age 30

The most pleasant surprise about this film was that the three hour twenty-five minute running time went by quickly. Titanic has a fairly well-written love story that keeps your attention for the first third of the film, so that the iceberg scene actually comes a surprise. The production design and effects are magnificent and transport you believably to the world of 1912. However, this film does have unnecessary profanity, nudity and glorification of immoral behavior and could have easily been written on the PG level. Yet, all in all, I would strongly recommend this film.
—Kevin Burk, age 26

I'm relieved to find out from your web page that other Christians were as shocked and upset as I was to find nudity in a PG-13-rated film. This movie should have been rated R, without a doubt. I have sent e-mail to Paramount Studios expressing my concerns—if you have similar concerns, then I encourage you to send your comments as well. Their web site is at www.paramount.com. We can't protect our children (and our OWN hearts and minds) from everything, but we should do what we CAN.
—Melissa Tolentino, Age 34

My Husband and I took our 13 and 16 yr. old boys to see this movie as a family outing before Christmas. We were shocked and disapointed that there was frontal nudity and blatant sex in this movie. Not to mention the porno drawings, foul language and the glorification of immorality that was throughout this movie. I am so sorry that we didn't walk out of this movie. I apologized to my boys that I took them to this movie and I certainly asked God for forgiveness for taking my boys to see pornography wrapped in such a pretty package. My question would be what part of pornography and immorality would Jesus say is tolerable for anyone at ANYage to see? How can we as Christians comfortably see this movie, ignore the sin and recommend it for others to see because of the lovely story and the great special effects? I am concerned that our standard of purity is so low. How can we call ourselves God's Children, when we live like the world and have no conscience toward sin if it is wrapped up so pretty. What would Jesus do or say?
—Janis Kelbert, age 39

James Cameron has created a movie that truly moves people. People cheer for the good guys, sneared at the bad guys, laughed at all the suttle cute jokes, and people truly applaude at the end of the movie. People stayed to watch the credits which people don't do now days. Groups of people and friends hugged at the end of it. I don't cry at movies. I cried at this one; other guys in the audience did too. I have never seen a movie do this. From a Christian standpoint, I would rate it a strong PG-13, or even R for that matter. Yes, there is nudity, but you can see it coming and can advert your eyes until the scene is over. There is also a pre-marital sex scene (even though nothing is shown, you know what hapened), which did not need to be in there… What really scares you is not what happens on screen, but the truth that “this actually happened to actual people.” One of the major underlying themes of this movie was of sacrificial love. Watch as the character Jack Dawson always puts everything on the line all the time, always sacrificing himself for the good of others. The director James Cameron also shows how frail human life is and from that we Christians see that humans need a savior. James Cameron may not be a Christian, but practally all of his movies involve Christian elements… I saw this movie with my sister (who is VERY picky in what she sees), and a bunch of other Christian friends. All agreed that is is a GREAT movie, and if you just advert your eyes in that one scene, you will be fine.
—Jason Rasmussen, age 20

My wife and I took our three children, ages 9,11, and 12 to see this movie during Christmas break. We have rented and have seen many PG-13 movies before but we've never before seen frontal nudity in this rating. Overall, the story and effects were great but a strong warning to parents who don't want their young teens exposed to this type of material should leave the kids at home.
—Paul Frient, age 44

I find it hard to believe, as well as saddening to find so many “Christians” who are willing to sit through movies like this one. My husband and I were excited about seeing the special effects, but were not expecting nudity in a PG-13 film. We walked out when Rose began her “unveiling” and waited in the hall what seemed like eternity for this scene to pass. We finally got up and left during the explicit sex scene and got our money back. I felt violated and angry. Angry at Hollywood for ruining the minds a lives of our youth and angry at Christians for sitting through such filth. If you want to see an inspirational version of the Titanic, rent the original with Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb.
—A. H. Frank

WHOA! WHAT A MOVIE! Grand, epic and extremely tragic, Titanic is easily one of 97's best movies. I was definitely on the edge of my seat while watching this one. DiCaprio and Winslet were excellent as were Kathy Bates as “Molly Brown” and Billy Zane as Rose's jealous, unloving fiance'. Expect visual effects, sound effects and cinematography Oscars for this as the images on screen were beautifully shot. The boat sinking itself and the aftermath was spectacular and heartbreaking at the same time. Extremely heartbreaking as we watched the poor souls who were neglected to be rescued. I would not recommend this movie for young children as this is the kind of film that'll make you never ride another boat again. All in all, the fastest 3 hours 14 minutes I've spent in a theatre… James Cameron does it again!
—Chris Utley, age 25

This was without a doubt one of the best movies seen in the past few years. A beautiful love story. Suspenseful in plot right to the end, in spite of the fact we all know what happened to the Titanic. It spoke of the extreme class difference of the early nineteen hundreds. As a Christian, it does bother me to hear the Lords name used in vain, and this happens frequently, especially in the beginning. It is far to intense for children under 12. It would be frightening to see children in such distress. I would recommend this movie to young adults and adults alike.
—Ruthann, age 58

What a waste of $200 Million. After having my hopes elevated by Amistad, Hollywood has dashed them again. The first half of the movie plays like a steamy afternoon soap. An engaged young woman from a wealthy family finds instant true love with a penniless, rambling young stud aboard a doomed love boat. He's an artist, she poses nude for him, but after praising Picasso he strangely draws her like an air-brushed centerfold (you'd have thought he'd put both eyes on one side of the face, and her nose on her forehead). They follow up with sex in the back seat of a car in the cargo hold (why else would there be a car there?). The characterizations are straight from Karl Marx… all the rich are shallow, conceited self-absorbed louts who deserve to die. They are also the only ones shown attending a church service. All the poor are “real people” who are locked in the lower decks laughing, dancing and drinking (till they drop). God is mentioned many times in this Victorian setting, but only as an adjective preceding “damned”. Even facing death no one prays, although someone blocks everyone's escape while quoting the 23rd Psalm… hey, this is a 90's update on a gone-by culture. Seeing a near full scale Titanic replica sink was novel. Even here there was little heroism (except for the two flushed lovers). Chauvinism without the chilvary. Even giving women and children priority on the life boats was a dazed and half-hearted order from the captain. A movie well worth missing. The production money should have gone to charity.
—Leo DePaul, age 48

This was a very well made movie. The special effects and scenery were outstanding. I was rather shocked at the nudity portrayed in the movie but that's Hollywood for you. The fact that the story starts in present day times is a very ingenious idea. I thought that it added much more to the movie. This is an excellent film that seemingly well portrays the emotions of those on the ship. I am sorry to say that the nudity contained in it is offensive and would certainly not be appropriate for anyone under 13 at least. As for filmaking quality, I give this a thumbs up.
—Thomas Burke

The Titanic is one of those rare epic and grand movies that make me wish for more of the same. From the very beginning the movie captures and immerses the viewer in the world of this doomed luxury liner which sank in the cold waters of the Atlantic in April of 1912 .In the first hour the movie introduces all the different characters, develops their relationship (especially the romantic relationship between Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet)) and gives an in depth tour of the life on board of the Titanic. When the Titanic hits the iceberg the movie picks up speed and drama. In one moment the things that were deemed valuable become worthless. The vanity and emptiness of a lifestyle based on material things becomes very plain and visible as the passengers go through all the different stages of dealing with death (from denial and anger to acceptance). There are no longer first, second or third class passengers, but heroes and cowards, people ready to die and people surprised by their own mortality. This finds its climax in the scene where the ship band plays “Nearer My God to Thee” just a few moments before the Titanic sinks. This is a movie that makes you think and offers an excellent platform to talk about the things that matter the most.
—Caspar Blattmann, age 34

Titanic is a “must see” movie, if there ever is to be one in the 90's… It skillfully blends actual photos of the Titanic at the bottom of the ocean and real facts regarding the Titanic with the fantasy story of a young high society girl, Rose, engaged to marry a high society gentleman whom she finds she doesn't really love… The movie does have at least one use of the “F” word, some nudity, and suggestive scenes of one illicit night at love making. But the rest of the story is so compelling and thought provoking that I can honestly and in good conscience recommend this movie for most adult Christians. It is a bit too graphic and serious for smaller children, perhaps as old as 13, which is consistent with its PG-13 rating.
—Dave Storhaug, age 53