Thanos is pursuing powerful artifacts known as Infinity
Stones. If he can collect them all, he will destroy life throughout the
universe. In an attempt to stop Thanos and save lives throughout the universe, dozens
of heroes from other Marvel movies join forces, but this may be the toughest
challenge they’ve ever faced.
** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **
The Adoption
Connection – MAJOR SPOILERS IN THIS SECTION
There are two adopted characters who are murdered on screen;
in one case, the killer is the adoptive father, in another, an adoptive sibling
watches helplessly as the murder happens.
Thanos has been killing large numbers throughout the galaxy
in an attempt to stop other planets from experiencing the overpopulation that
decimated his own world. With a new weapon, Thanos believes he will be able to
kill in a more merciful manner, but in the past, he killed through warfare.
Thanos has two daughters; he took Gamora into his life after he killed her
parents while waging war on her planet. Thanos seems to care deeply for Gamora,
but she tells him that she does not love him and that he has never been her
father. Thanos ultimately sacrifices her, hurling her off a cliff to satisfy
what he believes is a higher purpose. Thanos’ other daughter, Nebula, has tried
to kill him. Thanos tortures Nebula to manipulate Gamora into giving him information.
Thanos’ adoption of one of his daughters came after he killed her parents, and
his treatment of both of his daughters is brutal. This could be a trigger for
some viewers.
In one scene, Gamora attempts to kill Thanos, and believes
she succeeds. She is tearful as she does this, though, reflecting that although
she says she hates him, she also has conflicting feelings towards him. This could
reflect the conflicted feelings that some viewers might have towards parents
who have neglected or abused them.
Nebula and Gamora managed to build a collaborative relationship
with each other in spite of the feuding that characterized their relationship
in earlier films.
Thor and Loki are brothers by adoption. Thor watches
helplessly as Thanos strangles Loki to death. They appear to have developed
some level of care for each other, as opposed to the rivalry that characterized
their earlier interactions.
Strong Points
This is a very full film. Characters form new relationships,
and old broken relationships appear to be reconciled. Characters act heroically
in the face of dire odds. It is a thought-provoking and engaging film.
Challenges – MAJOR SPOILERS
IN THIS SECTION
**MAJOR SPOILER ALERT ----------------------------------------
For kids who’ve experienced violence or who have unresolved grief regarding
loss, this could be a difficult film. Many heroes appear to die. Some are brutally
murdered on screen.***
Gamora has a pseudo-adoptive relationship with Thanos, but
is presented as his adopted daughter, and some of the history, dialogue, and
actions between them could be difficult for some families touched by adoption.
Gamora fears falling into Thanos’ hands, and pleads with her
boyfriend, “If THanos takes me, promise to kill me.”
***MAJOR SPOILER ALERT --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some viewers, particularly young viewers who’ve identified with favorite
heroes, could be left sad or shaken at the end of the film, because the good
guys are left decimated, many of the superheroes (including Black Panther and
Spiderman, who might be characters that kids have identified with recently)
appear to have died, and the villain appears to have triumphed. ***
Recommendations
Avengers: Infinity War has succeeded in creating a powerful,
memorable film that flies through its 160-minute runtime. There are definitely
elements to the story that could pose challenges to (particularly younger)
viewers who have identified with superheroes or who have unresolved issues with
regard to grief, loss, violence or death, as well as for those who struggle
with memories of an abusive father or distrust of an adoptive parent. For most
teenagers, the film will probably be enjoyable. I’ll stick with the PG-13 MPAA Rating of this
film, and recommend it for ages 13 and up.
Questions for
Discussion
Have you ever had a part of your personality that didn’t
want to come out?
What do you think will happen in the next movie? How can the
heroes recover from the losses they’ve experienced?
Do you think Thanos is Gamora’s father? Why or why not?
Why is Thanos trying to kill so many people? Why does he
think he’s right? Why do the Avengers think he’s wrong?
Other Ideas
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