Rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, intense sequences of action, sexuality and brief strong language.
Starring Zoe Saldana and Cliff Curtis
Directed by Olivier Megaton (Transporter 3)
A sexy new action movie…too bad it’s too sexy.
A young woman grows up to be a stone-cold assassin after witnessing her parents’ murder as a child in Bogota. She works for her uncle as a hitman by day, but her personal time is spent engaging in vigilante murders that she hopes will lead her to her ultimate target – the mobster responsible for her parents’ death.
At its core, Colombiana is a revenge film…and a typical revenge film at that. You know the, “You killed my family, prepare to die” stuff (sorry I couldn’t resist). And where The Princess Bride has charm, humor and fun, this one has blood, sex and violence. In a word, it is gratuitous. For example, it’s not enough for Zoe Saldana to be wearing skimpy clothes throughout most of the movie; there is a scene where she dances around her apartment for no apparent reason.
There’s bad acting all around and the dialogue is weaker than the goons that surround the drug kingpins. Colombiana has one intense fight scene, but it’s a hand-to-hand fight scene between Saldana and Jordi Molla and (call me old fashioned) but I never like to see a man hit a woman.
There really isn’t much to like about this film.
Honestly the only thing I liked was Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” that played over the closing credits – it’s a Coaster for me.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There are a few sex and nudity scenes with Cataleya and her boyfriend. We see Cataleya in her bra and panties. They kiss and remove their clothing and sex is implied each time. There’s another scene where a man wearing a robe fools around with several scantily clad women on a bed.
There is also a ton of violence and gore. As far as profanity, there is 1 F-word and several other curse words.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: As I said before the theme of Colombiana is revenge. Cataleya has given her entire life to become a professional killer. Not only is she good at it, she seems to enjoy it. It becomes her sole purpose in life.
Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: Take a moment to read the following passages:
Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you shall heap coals of fire upon his head, and Jehovah shall reward you.
Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say unto you, Do not resist evil. But whoever shall strike you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. And to him desiring to sue you, and to take your tunic, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and you shall not turn away from him who would borrow from you.
Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Thes. 5:15
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
As you read those verses, how do they contrast with Cataleya’s worldview?
Which worldview do you think is easier to live out? Forgiving those who hurt us or hurting those who hurt us?
Which worldview do you find yourself living with?
Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: Take some time to discuss the last time someone hurt you? Who was it? What happened?
As you retell that story, what emotions did you feel?
How do you feel knowing that God not only wants you to forgive them, but he wants you to love them? What are some practical ways to show love to your enemies this week?
