Omari Gates
Aquaman is a 2018 superhero film directed by James Wan, starring Jason Momoa as the titular character. It is based on the DC Comics character of the same name and is the tenth film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its self-awareness and others criticising its slow pace. In Australia, the film is rated M for Mature audiences due to its frequent action violence, mild nudity, and coarse language.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plot | Arthur Curry/Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and his wife Mera (Amber Heard) have just had a baby son. Arthur tries to find the balance between meeting the needs of his family on land and the demands of ruling the city of <co: 3,8,12,16>Atlantis. |
| Genre | Superhero movie |
| Rating | Not suitable for children under 13 years |
| Violence | Frequent action-battle scenes, comic book-style violence, shooting of guns, use of large explosives, close-range fighting scenes, trident-fighting scenes, monsters, physical transformations, dramatic sea storms, etc. |
| Nudity | Mild nudity, including Aquaman being naked to the waist, wearing only jeans |
| Romance | Mild romantic scenes, mild flirtation, kissing |
| Sexualisation | Hyper-sexualised and gendered costumes |
| Substance use | Alcohol consumption, drunkenness |
| Language | Coarse language, racist overtones |
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What You'll Learn
Aquaman's story and origin
Aquaman is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in November 1941. Initially, a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo title, starting with the original Aquaman series from 1962 to 1978. Aquaman's stories have since been featured in a number of comic book series and have also been adapted into several forms of media, including television shows, video games, and movies, with the character becoming one of the most recognizable and enduring creations of the comic book medium.
The character of Aquaman is known for his distinctive appearance, with blonde hair and a trademark orange and green costume, as well as his unique abilities, which include super-strength, aquatic telepathy, and powerful swimming capabilities. Born as Arthur Curry, Aquaman is the son of Tom Curry, a lighthouse keeper, and Atlanna, a queen of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis. Due to his hybrid heritage, Aquaman possesses a unique set of powers, including the ability to communicate with marine life, withstand deep-sea pressures, and swim at superhuman speeds.
Growing up, Arthur Curry struggled to find his place in the world, torn between his human heritage and his Atlantean lineage. He was often ridiculed and ostracized by those who did not understand or accept his unique abilities. Despite these challenges, he dedicated himself to protecting the oceans and all life within them, becoming a stalwart defender of the environment and a symbol of heroism and justice.
As Aquaman, Arthur Curry has played a pivotal role in many significant comic book storylines and events, often teaming up with other heroes such as the Justice League, of which he is a prominent member. He has also faced off against a myriad of villains, including Black Manta, Ocean Master, and the polluter Lex Luthor, who has been a recurring foe. Through his marriage to Mera, Aquaman has also become the king of Atlantis, adding a layer of political intrigue and responsibility to his already complex life.
Over the years, Aquaman's character has undergone various interpretations and updates, reflecting the changing tastes and sensibilities of the comic book medium. Despite occasional criticism and parody, Aquaman has endured as a popular and iconic superhero, with a rich and complex history that continues to be explored and expanded upon by writers and artists.
In Australia, the Aquaman movie, starring Jason Momoa as the title character, was rated M for mature themes and violence. The rating advised that the film was not recommended for people under 15 years of age.
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Violence and action
The Aquaman movies are characterised by frequent action and battle scenes, with violence that is largely bloodless but nonetheless impactful. The violence is often perpetrated by the titular hero, Aquaman, who is portrayed as an attractive and charismatic figure.
The action sequences in the first Aquaman movie involve characters shooting guns from a distance and at close range. There are also long 'war' sequences between different undersea groups that involve the use of large explosives and torpedo-like weapons. Close-quarters combat is also prevalent, with punching, kicking, slashing, and the use of objects as weapons. Aquaman himself uses a manhole cover as a shield and a weapon to bash enemies over the head. In one scene, a man is almost crushed by a falling car, and is then attacked by a snake-like monster.
The sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, features similar action and violence. Pirates take over a large vessel, and two men fall into a deep crevice in the ice. One of them has a broken leg, and the other is attacked by a monster. Aquaman brags about being good at "breaking heads".
The violence in the Aquaman movies is generally considered to be comic book-style, with few consequences and not too much blood and gore. However, it is frequent and intense enough to warrant a PG-13 rating, and it is not recommended for children under 13. The Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) notes that the movie features "frequent comic-book-style violence and some coarse language".
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Romantic scenes
The 2018 American superhero film Aquaman is based on the DC character of the same name. The film is directed by James Wan and stars Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman.
Aquaman has some mildly romantic scenes, but no sexual references of concern. The movie is a love story between Arthur and Mera, but also between Tom Curry and Queen Atlanna. Arthur is the love child of Tom Curry, a lighthouse keeper, and Atlanna, Queen of Atlantis.
Princess Mera, Arthur's love interest, is the daughter of King Nereus and was raised by Queen Atlanna. She is described as very thin with large breasts and wears skin-tight, low-cut outfits. There is some mild flirtation and one kiss between Aquaman and Princess Mera.
Queen Atlanna and Thomas the lighthouse keeper lie in bed together and share a passionate kiss.
The director, James Wan, has spoken about how important it is to create characters that the audience can relate to and how this helps to create a compelling movie character.
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Gendered and sexualised costuming
The 2018 film Aquaman, starring Jason Momoa, has been criticised for its highly gendered and sexualised costuming. Both male and female characters are dressed in ways that conform to traditional stereotypes of masculinity and femininity.
Aquaman, for example, is frequently topless, displaying his muscular physique. This is in keeping with the stereotype of the male ''strong man', and his physical strength is further emphasised by his costume, which is a fitted, matte black retro-futuristic suit. The character's appearance has been described as an "improvement" on the comic books, where he wears green and orange, a colour combination that has been likened to "prison garb".
Similarly, the female characters' costumes are designed to accentuate their bodies. Princess Mera, Aquaman's love interest, is portrayed as very thin with large breasts, and she wears skin-tight, low-cut outfits. Mera's actress, Amber Heard, has commented that the character is "far more than a super-powered love interest", but her costume has been criticised for reducing her to a sexualised figure.
Nicole Kidman's Atlanna, Queen of Atlantis, also wears a skin-tight, sparkling white armour, which has been described as "slightly alien". In contrast, when she is not in her royal attire, she wears "comfy Maine winter clothes", which are noted as more relatable and humanising.
The gendered and sexualised costuming in Aquaman has been a point of contention, with some praising the costumes as "amazing" and "incredible", while others find them problematic and reductive.
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Substance use
The Aquaman movies contain several instances of substance use. In Aquaman, adults are shown drinking alcohol in a bar and becoming drunk and silly. The movie also features the use of the racist term "half-breed" to describe someone who is half surface-dweller and half sea-dweller. In Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Aquaman and his father are shown sharing beers together on several occasions. Additionally, in a bar in the Sunken Citadel, hammerhead shark creatures are depicted drinking strange substances, and numerous unusual-looking drinks are served. The movie also includes some coarse language, including the use of the word "fuck".
The substance use in the Aquaman movies is worth noting, especially when considering the suitability of the films for younger audiences. While the movies are rated as suitable for older teenagers and adults in Australia, parents and guardians may still want to be aware of the substance use depicted in the films if they are considering allowing younger viewers to watch them.
The depiction of substance use in media can have varying impacts on audiences, particularly younger ones. It is important to recognise that substance use is often portrayed in a way that may glamorise or normalise it, potentially influencing viewers' perceptions and behaviours. This is particularly true when it comes to alcohol use, which is frequently shown in media without always portraying the potential negative consequences.
In the case of the Aquaman movies, the substance use depicted primarily involves alcohol consumption. While the movies do not necessarily promote excessive drinking, they do present it as a normal part of social interactions, particularly in the context of bars or similar settings. This portrayal may influence younger viewers' perceptions of alcohol use and could potentially contribute to a perception that drinking is a common or expected behaviour in social situations.
It is worth noting that the impact of substance use depiction in media can vary depending on the context and how it is portrayed. In some cases, substance use may be shown in a negative light, highlighting the potential consequences and drawbacks. This type of portrayal can help to educate viewers about the risks and negative impacts of substance use. However, when substance use is normalised or glamorised without showing the potential negative consequences, it can contribute to a perception that it is harmless or even desirable.
When it comes to helping young people develop a healthy understanding of substance use, it is essential to have open and honest conversations about the potential risks and impacts. Discussing the portrayal of substance use in media can be a valuable opportunity to engage with young people on this topic, encouraging critical thinking and a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Aquaman is rated M for Mature audiences in Australia. The movie has frequent violence with few consequences, coarse language, and sexualised costuming.
Aquaman has frequent action and battle scenes with guns, explosives, and close-range fighting. There is also comic book-style violence with little blood and gore.
No, Aquaman is not recommended for children under 13 years of age due to the violent content and scary visual images. There are also some mild romantic scenes and substance use that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
