Story
This movie is mainly a visual performance, without dialogue, by the well-known circus and performance group, Cirque du Soleil. It starts with a young woman visiting a travelling circus. A silent clown persuades her to watch the aerialist, the main attraction of the show. She is captivated by the young man, but he is distracted by her and misses a catch. He falls to the ground, and she runs to help him. The ground swallows both of them.
The girl finds herself in another world of clouds and big tops. She goes from one to another in search of the young man. Her efforts to find him are thwarted everywhere she goes, but she does get to watch performances by amazing Cirque du Soleil artists as she goes along.
Themes
Violence
This movie has some stylised violence performed in dance. For example:
- A couple of scenes show battles between ninja-type warriors and other people, using sticks and spears.
- A man is tied against a boxing ring fence and hit and kicked.
Also, some of the circus acts show acts of self-harm. For example:
- A woman hammers a nail into her nose.
- Flamethrowers are surrounded by a circle of fire. One man looks like he’s on fire, but he walks off uninjured.
Content that may disturb children
Under 5
In addition to the violent scenes mentioned above, this movie has some scenes that could scare or disturb children under five years. For example:
- People swallow various objects, including a dagger.
- A very large woman is spread out on a sofa while a dwarf fans her.
- A clown looks as though he has a hunchback. He laughs in a crazy way.
- At one point the young woman feels trapped and screams.
- Large insect-type creatures appear.
- The young woman falls into a huge gap.
From 5-8
Some children in this age group might also be disturbed by some of the imagery in this movie.
From 8-13
Children in this age group are unlikely to be disturbed by anything in this movie.
Over 13
Nothing of concern
Sexual references
None of concern
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
None of concern
Nudity and sexual activity
This movie has some nudity and sexual activity. For example:
- Many of the female performers wear quite skimpy and revealing outfits.
- When the young man and woman finally meet up, they perform a very sensual dance and kiss.
Product placement
None of concern
Coarse language
None of concern
Ideas to discuss with your children
Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away 3D is a visual treat, but some of the imagery and the situations in which the young woman finds herself could be quite frightening for young children, particularly in 3D.
The lack of dialogue might make the story hard for young children to follow. The movie is therefore more suited to children over eight years.