The Eagle parents guide

The Eagle Parent Guide

Introspective themes add some depth to this story, which otherwise consists of numerous battles sequences, sword fights, and violent conflicts.

Overall B-

Determined to restore his father's honor and recoup a lost golden emblem belonging to his legion, a young soldier (Channing Tatum) and his slave (Jamie Bell) leave the safety of the Roman Empire and go into enemy territory.

Release date February 11, 2011

Violence C-
Sexual Content C+
Profanity B-
Substance Use C+

Why is The Eagle rated PG-13? The MPAA rated The Eagle PG-13 for battle sequences and some disturbing images.

Run Time: 114 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

The Eagle is the emblem of Rome, a symbol of its honor and achievement. For Marcus Aurelius Aquila (Channing Tatum), acquiring the qualities represented by that noble bird has been the quest of his whole life. Yet it is more than a worthy goal. It is also about repairing a tarnished family reputation. When he was a young boy, his dad disappeared in Northern Britain while leading the Ninth Legion. Because it is widely believed Flavius Aquila and his 5000 men not only lost the Eagle standard they marched under in the far-flung land, but also deserted their duties, it has been Marcus’s ambition to become a soldier and one day discover the true fate of his father.

As a man, the young Centurion’s loyalty to Rome does give him an opportunity to serve in Britain where he proves his bravery. However destiny appears to cripple his chances of pressing north beyond a wall erected by Emperor Hadrian to shut off the barbaric, unconquerable peoples of the Highlands. Then two events occur. Rumors reach Marcus that the golden eagle carried by the Ninth Legion has been sighted in one of the northern tribes. And a slave comes into his possession who was captured from the same area.

Against the better advice of his wise uncle (Donald Sutherland) who warns Esca (Jamie Bell) is only faithful because he is forced to be, Marcus decides to take his servant and head into enemy territory. With the help of Esca’s knowledge of the land and language he hopes the two of them may be able to scout the terrain unnoticed. The plan is to find the Roman emblem (and perhaps get word of what happened to the army), then return with the Eagle and restore his father’s good name.

Once on the other side of Hadrian’s Wall though, the balance of power changes. Stepping back into his former identity, Esca becomes the master and Marcus the slave. For the first time the patriotic Roman learns how it feels to be the conquered instead of the conqueror. Suddenly stories of rape and pillage take on alarming meaning, and Marcus also realizes he’s not the only one who has been forced to cope with personal losses.

These introspective themes add some depth to this story, which otherwise consists of numerous battles sequences, sword fights, and violent conflicts. Fortunately very little blood is depicted, but the portrayal of the death of soldiers and children, discussions of the rape and murder of women, animals skinned and gutted for food, and corpses of the dead and executed, may be disturbing for some audience members. Other content is limited to a few profanities, some scantily dressed men and an intoxicating ceremonial drink.

While Marcus’s reverence of honor and Esca’s desire for freedom are commendable traits, and the lessons both men share enlighten their understanding of integrity and liberty, parents will want to weigh the value of these messages carefully before recommending this Eagle for their older teens.

Directed by Kevin MacDonald . Starring Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland . Running time: 114 minutes. Theatrical release February 11, 2011. Updated

The Eagle
Rating & Content Info

Why is The Eagle rated PG-13? The Eagle is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for battle sequences and some disturbing images.

Violence: This movie is pervaded with battle sequences featuring hand-to-hand conflict and weapons use (swords, axes, daggers, javelins), resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. A teen is stabbed (a bloody knife wound is shown) and a child’s throat slit (off screen). Depictions of the bodies of dead and wounded (some blood effects included), a decapitated head, men on fire, naked corpses of executed men (no-explicit nudity shown), a drowning, beatings, skeletons, dead animals, cruel treatment of slaves and cremation are shown. Torture, beheadings and a character crushed by a chariot are implied. Gladiator games announce a duel to the death. Discussion occurs about holding a man down while surgery is preformed with only alcohol for anesthetic (scars and bloody wound shown). Mention is made of the rape and murder of women, brutal and sacrificial killings, as well as a comical reference to cannibalism. Animals, killed for sport and food, are shown gutted, skinned and one is eaten raw.

Sexual Content: Men are shown topless, scantily dressed and in loincloths.

Language: Infrequent mild and moderate profanities are used.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Warriors engage in ceremonial drinking until they pass out. Alcohol is used as anesthetic for surgery. A man appears to be tipsy.

Other: A character prays to the gods. A man vomits before going into battle.

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The Eagle Parents' Guide

Hadrian’s Wall is a real landmark built by the Romans that can still be seen in Britain today. (Although the reason for its construction may not match the explanation given in the movie!) Click here to learn more about this amazing historical site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadrian’s_Wall

Marcus sees the Eagle as a symbol of Roman honor and achievement. What does it represent to Esca? How do their different circumstances change the way they perceive its meaning?

One of the characters questions why Rome came to the sparsely populated, barren lands in Northern Britain in the first place. Why do you think empires such as Rome pushed for world domination? What did they hope to gain? What did it cost those they conquered? Why do nations still contend for power today?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of The Eagle movie is June 21, 2011. Here are some details…

The Eagle releases to DVD and Blu-ray on June 21, 2011, with the following bonus materials:

- Theatrical version of the film

- Unrated version of the film

- Commentary with director Kevin MacDonald

- Deleted Scenes

- Alternate Ending

Related home video titles:

A young, newly appointed Roman emperor is ripped from the throne before he’s even had a chance to rule in The Last Legion. The legendary Arthur and his band of knights attempt to maintain order in Britain as the Roman Empire crumbles and retreats in King Arthur. A group of Roman soldiers barter for The Robe worn by Christ on the day of his crucifixion in this 1953 film.