Goldfinger

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Thrilling action comedy may be the best Bond.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that teen action fans will definitely be drawn to the James Bond series -- and the movies play on TV so often they're hard to avoid. Per all Bond films, expect plenty of sexual energy and innuendo from 007. Though it's delivered in a frothy way, it's still pervasive. And yes, this is the Bond movie with a character named Pussy Galore. While she's depicted as an intelligent, skilled aircraft pilot, she falls literally head over heels for Bond during some rough foreplay. There are also plenty of explosions, car chases, and general action set pieces sprinkled throughout the movie. Bond is a frequent drinker who doesn't really suffer from any adverse effects. Goldfinger's henchmen and collaborators are largely Japanese men, which means that all Japanese characters in the film appear to be evil (although there are no racial slurs used or verbal stereotyping). A woman is murdered by having her naked body covered in gold (she's only shown from behind).

  • Bond stands up against thievery, but he also indulges in a lot of sexist behavior and is known for his vices (drinking, etc.). Some implication that Japanese characters are evil.
  • Typical action-movie mayhem: Explosions, fistfights, gun battles, etc. Plenty of deaths, but not that much blood.
  • Strong sexual implications and innuendo (a Bond trademark), although no graphic nudity or sex acts are shown. A female character dies as a result of having her naked body painted gold (shown from behind).
  • A main character is named Pussy Galore -- probably the most risque/sexual "Bond girl" names.
  • Bond drives an Aston Martin.
  • Bond loves his martinis; an authority figure smokes cigars (not unusual for the film's '60s' setting).

What's the story?

In GOLDGINFER, James Bond (Sean Connery) is asked to monitor Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe), an international gold merchant who the British government suspects is plotting something vaguely fiendish. Goldfinger's plan is found to be a rather elaborate, dangerous assault on Fort Knox, the United States' gold reserve.


Is it any good?

 

The third installment in the James Bond franchise finds Connery playing up the cheekier side of Bond for the first time, following the more serious stakes of Dr. No and From Russia With Love. The film spends far more time on Bond's gadgetry (particularly his defensively outfitted Aston Martin) and his womanizing than it does on his foiling of Goldfinger's devious scheme. More than anything else, Bond's luck and charm seem to allow him to drift in and out of danger while rather inadvertently saving the day in the end.

For these reasons, this film truly serves as the template of all subsequent Bond films. There's an emphasis on humor even in the most dire of circumstances. Connery plays Bond with seemingly little effort, and his charm is hard to resist, even when he's dismissively tapping a female friend's buttocks to push her out of the frame, telling her that it's time for "man's work." (Oh, James...).


Explore, discuss, enjoy

Families can talk about James Bond, sexism, and violence. Does 007's attitude toward women -- often using them as pawns or treating them as pushovers -- seem necessary to create his cool facade? Is it right for him to use the force that he does in service of his government-appointed mission? Do you think real spies act this way? Why or why not?


This review of Goldfinger was written by
Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Teen, 15 years old
July 2, 2009
 
The Best Bond!
I love this film. It is definitely the Best Bond in the series. The Violence is mild to moderate, but there's no apparant blood. In three scenes, Bond makes out with the bond girls. He's seen topless in the first one. Jill Masterson's naked dead body is shown covered in gold paint. We can see the side of her butt. A woman in the pre-title sequence is seen wearing a scantly clad dress. Bond has his usual vodka martinis, shaken, not stirred. I don't know why this is ranked for ages 13 and; kids age 10 and up should be OK. It's iffy for ages 7-9. Q's line in the movie is classic.
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Parent of 11 and 13 year old
January 22, 2011
 
Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
One of the better Bond movies, kids don't seem to think anything of the name "Pxxxy Galore".
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Kid, 11 years old
June 6, 2009
 
the best bond
the best bond
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Teen, 13 years old
July 16, 2011
 
A little too strong for a (modern) PG.
My rating: PG-13 for action sequences/violence, sexual content involving an image of brief nudity, and for some drinking.
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Kid, 12 years old
February 13, 2012
 
awesomeness
the best bond ever! Except one thing: dull locals and elderly bond girl
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Teen, 13 years old
April 24, 2011
 
m
hk
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Teen, 13 years old
April 29, 2010
 
fine
No problems, good for those aged 7+ one of the more tame bonds.

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Teen, 15 years old
February 18, 2012
 
Really Good
Quality Bond film. Probably the best for smaller kids to watch
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This review of Goldfinger was written by
Topics:Adventures
Studio:MGM/UA
Director:Guy Hamilton
Cast:Gert Frobe, Honor Blackman, Sean Connery
Genre:Action/Adventure
Run time:110 minutes
Theatrical release date:December 22, 1964
DVD release date:April 17, 2001
MPAA rating:PG

This review of Goldfinger was written by
 

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