The Crucible

1996 PG-13 2h 3m DVD

The Crucible

1996 PG-13 2h 3m DVD
  • Overview
  • Details
Playwright Arthur Miller's parable of the 1950s anti-communist crusade (thinly veiled here as the Salem, Mass., witch trials of 1692) receives lush treatment in this Oscar-nominated film adaptation from director Nicholas Hytner. After being spurned by her married lover (Daniel Day-Lewis), young Abigail Williams (Winona Ryder) stirs up a frenzy of hysteria and fear with accusations of witchcraft. Joan Allen earned an Oscar nod for her role.
Cast
Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder, Paul Scofield, Joan Allen, Bruce Davison, Rob Campbell, Jeffrey Jones, Peter Vaughan, Karron Graves, Charlayne Woodard, Frances Conroy, Elizabeth Lawrence, George Gaynes, Mary Pat Gleason, Robert Breuler
Director
Nicholas Hytner
Format
DVD
Screen
Widescreen Anamorphic 1.85:1
Subtitles
English, Spanish (Neutral)
CC
Yes
Audio
English: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish (Neutral): Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround, French: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Rating
PG-13 - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.
age 14+
Common Sense rating OK for kids 14+
age 14+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that The Crucible is an intense 1996 exploration of the Salem witch trials based on Arthur Miller's play. It delves into the basest human instincts: violence, self-protection, lust, hypocrisy, territorialism, paranoia, and crowd mania. Religious fervor is shown in its worst light, with so-called sinners accusing others of sin. Religious and political leaders, as well as judges and neighbors, prove to be corrupt and self-serving. Expect brief nudity: From afar and in fog, a girl's buttocks and breasts are briefly shown. A married man discusses a past affair with a young single woman. They kiss, then he pushes her away violently. There is talk of hanging as punishment for refusing to admit to witchcraft, and hanging is briefly seen. Servants are beaten and smacked. A man is tortured and ultimately crushed to death when townspeople place heavy rocks on his chest to induce him to inform on others. A girl smashes a rooster to the ground, then smears her face with its blood. The 17th-century language echoing Salem witch trial transcripts may pose a challenge for young modern viewers.

Sexual Content

Abigail tries to reignite a past affair with Procter. She kisses him passionately, but he pushes her away. A girl's buttocks and breasts are shown briefly and foggily through dim light.

Violence

This world is merciless and violent. With no evidence, so-called witches and servants of the devil are rabidly pursued, jailed, and hanged. Abigail and others bring false charges of devilry and witchery against innocents to wipe their hands clean of lesser offenses. A man is tortured and ultimately crushed to death when townspeople place heavy rocks on his chest to induce him to inform on others. Alleged purveyors of witchcraft are threatened with hanging, and hanging is briefly shown. Servants are beaten and smacked. A woman kisses a man and he pushes her away, to the ground. Girls dramatically pretend to faint and fall to the ground. A girl smashes a rooster to the ground, then smears her face with its blood. Abigail angrily hits her younger cousin.

Language

"God," "Lord," and "damn."

Social Behavior

People lie and accuse others to save themselves. Honest people are sometimes punished rather than rewarded for their honesty. People sometimes risk death to stand up for their principles.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Adults drink wine.

  • Age appropriate
  • Not an issue
  • Depends on your child and your family
  • Parents strongly cautioned
  • Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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