Hercules (Live Action)
Hercules (2014) is an action-adventure fantasy film starring Dwayne Johnson as the titular hero, known throughout ancient Greece for his legendary exploits. However, the film presents a more grounded take on the myth, portraying Hercules as a mercenary haunted by his past, leading a band of loyal followers. The narrative sees Hercules and his team hired by the King of Thrace to defend against a warlord, only to uncover a deeper conspiracy that forces Hercules to confront his own identity and the truth behind his tragic history. While set within the framework of Greek mythology, the movie often reinterprets fantastical elements as exaggerated tales or human manipulation, aiming for a more human-centric heroic journey. The film is rated PG-13, primarily due to its frequent and intense battle sequences, moderate suggestive content, and some strong language. It is generally considered suitable for older teenagers, with many parental guidance resources suggesting it is not appropriate for children under 13 and recommending guidance for those aged 13-15 due to the graphic nature of the violence and mature themes. The movie runs for 98 minutes in its theatrical version.
Concerns
Violence
HighHercules features pervasive and intense battle sequences with significant violence, including graphic depictions of combat, injuries, and death. Characters are frequently shown being killed by various weapons, and there are unsettling images of corpses and gore.
During one battle, Hercules is depicted mowing down soldiers with blades extending from a chariot, with scenes showing stacks of corpses on the ground and some detailed blood effects. A particularly graphic scene involves a man licking blood from a rotting head on a spit. Hercules himself breaks free from chains, kills three wolves (which were responsible for his family's death), and stabs King Eurystheus with a dagger. The character Tydeus is mortally wounded but continues fighting, slaughtering numerous soldiers before succumbing to his injuries in Hercules' arms.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film contains high levels of scary and intense content, including pervasive and graphic violence, disturbing imagery, and psychologically distressing elements such as nightmares and hallucinations. The constant threat of battle and death contributes to a tense atmosphere.
Hercules is tormented by recurring nightmares and vivid hallucinations of Cerberus, which manifest as three black wolves attacking his family, causing him significant psychological distress. Battle scenes are intense, featuring numerous deaths, graphic injuries, and disturbing visuals such as piles of corpses and a character licking blood from a severed head, creating a frightening and visceral experience.
Anti-Christian Themes
HighThe film is set entirely within a pagan Greek mythological framework, prominently featuring references to Greek gods like Zeus and Hera, as well as concepts like prophecy, fate, and demigods. While the film often rationalizes away the literal magic, the pervasive pagan worldview could be a concern for Christian parents.
The entire story revolves around Greek mythology, presenting Hercules as the supposed 'son of Zeus' and frequently referencing various Olympian gods, their influence (even if later debunked as literal), and their associated beliefs and practices. The character Amphiaraus is a seer who practices pagan prophecy and fatalism, believing in an unchangeable fate and guiding Hercules through visions and omens, which is a central spiritual element within the film's context.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film omits elements of homosexuality and bisexuality present in the original Greek myths and some source materials, opting to not portray any LGBTQ characters or themes within its narrative. While there is no explicit LGBTQ content, its absence is noted in the adaptation process.
The film omits Hercules's bisexuality, which is part of his mythological background, and removes the character Meneus, who was hinted to be his 'eromenos' (beloved) in some interpretations. Additionally, the film dropped any potential lesbian undertones for the character Atalanta, who is sometimes portrayed as such in mythology, presenting her instead as an Amazon warrior.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe film includes some suggestive comments and brief partial nudity, contributing to its PG-13 rating. There are infrequent innuendos and brief instances of nudity, along with references to implied sexual acts.
One scene briefly shows a woman naked from the rear. The film contains infrequent sexual innuendos, including a couple of remarks related to bondage. There is also a brief mention of women being 'spoiled,' which implies rape.
Profanity
MediumThe movie contains brief strong language, with a few instances of moderate and strong curse words scattered throughout the dialogue. Parental reviews indicate specific expletives are used.
Specific strong language includes the use of the 'f***' word once. Other expletives such as 's***,' 'b***rd,' 'c***,' and 'h***' are used about once or twice each.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe film is deeply rooted in Greek mythology, featuring pagan gods, prophecies, and supernatural elements, though it often 'does in the wizard' by explaining mythical feats as human trickery or exaggeration. However, the presence of seers, divine parentage claims, and mythical creatures forms a strong pagan worldview.
The character Amphiaraus is a seer and prophet, frequently making predictions about the future, including his own death, which he believes is fated. Hercules himself is initially believed to be the demigod son of Zeus, and is plagued by hallucinations of Cerberus, the three-headed dog of Hades, which are later revealed to be an effect of drugs and the trauma of his family's death by wolves, rather than a literal mythical beast.
Substance Use
MediumThe film includes moderate depictions of alcohol consumption and some instances of drunkenness. A key plot point revolves around Hercules being drugged, which leads to tragic events.
Characters are shown engaging in moderate alcohol consumption, and there are scenes featuring brief drunkenness, particularly among Hercules's mercenary band during celebrations or downtime. A crucial element of the plot reveals that King Eurystheus drugged Hercules, causing him to hallucinate and believe he killed his family in a 'drunken rage,' when in reality they were killed by wolves sent by Eurystheus.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe narrative centers on Hercules leading a mercenary band that operates independently and ultimately rebels against corrupt rulers. While not focused on disrespectful language towards benevolent authority, it portrays defiance against villainous leadership.
Hercules and his band of mercenaries initially serve King Cotys, but upon discovering his treacherous and villainous nature, they actively rebel against him and King Eurystheus. Hercules's nephew, Iolaus, actively seeks to participate in battles and prove himself, demonstrating a desire to defy a more passive role and engage in direct action against perceived injustice.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The film is recommended for ages 13 and up due to its pervasive violence, intense battle sequences, some suggestive content, and moderate language. Parental guidance is strongly advised for children aged 13-15 to help navigate the mature themes and graphic depictions.
Additional Notes
The film attempts to deconstruct the Hercules myth, often explaining supernatural events as exaggerated stories or human manipulations, which might be seen as positive for some in rationalizing pagan elements, but still maintains a deeply pagan setting. The extended cut of the film is only slightly longer (101 minutes vs. 98 minutes theatrical) and does not significantly alter the content concerns.
Related Reviews
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