Parents' Guide to

Ammonite

By Stefan Pape, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Sexually graphic British period drama about forbidden love.

Movie R 2020 117 minutes
Ammonite Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 18+

Based on 2 parent reviews

LizzieW
LizzieW Adult
September 3, 2022
age 18+

Unnecessary graphic sex adds nothing to the movie

I have to give this film a low rating because the sex scenes are surprisingly graphic. Rarely do you see such pornographic displays of oral sex and certainly an R film should not have graphic oral sex. If the scenes had been between a man and a woman I think it would have been X rated. I'm surprised some people see this scene in Ammonite as just female nudity because it is a lot more than that. It's a shame to have to give it such a low rating because apart from that it is a good film. Also, there is no proof that Channing was a lesbian which also bothers me. If she was not and was still here to complain, it would be fair for her to say she had been misrepresented. I think if films are to be made about genuine factual people, then they should stick to the historical facts. Nobody wants to be misrepresented in life or after death. Blonde is another factional movie that misrepresents the truth about Marilyn Monroe. The author of the book makes no pretence it is anything else but fictional but then why call Marilyn, Marilyn when the other characters in the film or the book are recognizable as factual characters but are given fake names. The film Lawrence of Arabia bent the truth about T E Lawrence, as well. All good films but disappointing when you discover the film claims to be biographical but is actually fictional. Why lead kids and adults to believe something is historical when it is not! Also, I have concerns that in the secular world it seems any type of sex is fine. Where does it all end? Will paedophilia on screen one day be acceptable? It was much better when sex scenes were left to the imagination. They were more realistic because generally speaking there are no audiences to people's sex lives. Sex scenes in modern films have something unrealistically voyeuristic about them.
modernartchick
modernartchick Adult
December 21, 2020
age 18+

Ammonite. Dynamite!

This movie is a movie I could watch 2 times in a row. It was amazing! I love it when you have a movie with barely any words with so much emotion. Kate is amazing with portraying so much emotion with only facial expressions. Fantastic acting!
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What's the Story?

Set in the 1840s, AMMONITE finds respected fossil hunter Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) spending her days working diligently on the south coast of England. Her life is rocked when a wealthy researcher pays for his wife Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan) to shadow her at work, in a bid to improve her mental health. While the two women clash at first, an intense romantic relationship soon develops.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Ammonite is a film that thrives in its mood, a beautifully shot, visceral piece of filmmaking by Francis Lee, that shows off his ability as a storyteller, so poetic with his camera. Though, as a follow-up to the wonderful God's Own Country, this movie does feel inferior, mostly in the relationship at the core of the story.

The two central performances by Winslet and Ronan are unsurprisingly brilliant. Both women are so subtle in their depictions, allowing much of this tale to be told in the sub-text. But there's something missing in the love they depict. It lacks a spark, and subsequently it's not easy for the viewer to fully invest in their relationship. This is sadly reflective of a movie that just lacks a little substance to do justice to the stylistic talents of those behind the lens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Ammonite portrays sex. Is it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.

  • Discuss the time period that the movie is set in. How are women viewed and treated? Are you surprised to see what women went through? How does this compare to today?

  • How does the movie handle the subject of sexuality? How might Mary and Charlotte's relationship be received today in comparison to the 1840s?

  • Charlotte suffers from depression. Did it seem a realistic portrayal of someone suffering from the illness? Charlotte is forced to endure much of her illness alone. Why is it important that we are open about our mental health and feelings?

  • Mary Anning was a highly-skilled fossil hunter, putting in so much craft and dedication to her work. Would you describe her as a role model? Why or why not? What other female role models can you think of?

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