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The MPAA has rated 10,000 B.C. PG-13 for sequences of intense action and violence.

Apparently, the rejected child scenario harkens back to 10,000 B.C. -- as attested to in this movie that unashamedly mixes millennia of time. According to the helpful voice over narrative (by Omar Sharif), D'Leh has lived his entire childhood under the shame of having his father abandon his family. Fortunately, young Evolet, who was separated from her tribe by the "four legged demons," took him under her wing and became his friend. Now, enough years have passed that D'Leh (Steven Strait) has developed a muscular body, while Evolet (Camilla Belle) has grown into a well-groomed beauty--no small feat considering she lives in a tent encampment 12 thousand years prior to hot water.

However, D'Leh's fate suddenly changes during a food-foraging expedition when this least-likely-to-succeed young man single-handedly kills a mammoth. Even Old Mother (Mona Hammond), the Yagahl tribe's prophetess, suspects the "son of a coward" may be the great hunter she has predicted will rise from their ranks, take Evolet as his companion and lead their people. Unfortunately, this happy change in D'Leh's status occurs just in time for the return of the "four legged demons." These marauders, who have learned the more-sophisticated art of riding on horseback, rampage through their camp and kidnap anyone they can get their ropes around --including Evolet.

After the dust settles, it is determined the newest Yagahl hunter will become the tribe's first warrior. Given the coveted white spear, D'Leh sets off with wise Tic'Tic (Cliff Curtis) and young Nakudu (Joel Virgel) to try and find where Evolet and the rest of their people have been taken. Their journey will lead over great mountains and into lands and civilizations the trio never knew existed. Most notable amongst their beyond-imagination discoveries is a gang they meet in the midst of the desert who look like they just finished wrapping up a National Geographic documentary. Fortunately, both factions speak English and an alliance is born.

This road trip / rescue mission combo requires you to forget anything you have ever heard about prehistoric man and the supposed absence of extensive dental work available during the caveman era. Instead the experience is best described by comparing the movie to popular video games that allow you to form warring factions from diverse eras and enjoy the anachronisms.

Artistic failings aside, the greatest reason parents would want to prohibit their developing homo sapiens from seeing this film is the frequent violence. Thankfully, firearms haven't made their way into this world, but death by beating, stoning, spearing and arrows (notice the developing technologies) are seen, along with some nasty depictions of impaling (some include blood). As well, some scenes depicting slavery show those in bondage being whipped and mistreated.

Older teens may find 10,000 B.C. entertaining, especially if viewed with a cynical eye. And one could argue the random period settings truly make this a timeless film -- but in no way a classic.

Beyond the movie ratings: What parents need to know about 10,000 B.C. ...

10,000 B.C. is best approached with an attitude of not expecting anything factual. The story of a man who treks a great distance to rescue a girl offers many moments of peril and battle. While the violence usually isn't graphic (and sometimes is obviously digitally simulated), there are frequent scenes of people being beaten and stoned, as well as impaled with arrows, knives and spears. Some blood effects are included. Other characters are seen in one-on-one combat, with necks being broken, characters pushed off high ledges and receiving other injuries. Scenes depicting many stampeding mammoths would presumably also result in serious injury, but these details are mostly viewed in grand vistas. Sexual content is limited to men fighting over who will get "the" woman, and she is seen in a cleavage-revealing dress.Male characters are shown in chest-bearing costumes.

Talk about the movie with your family...

One interesting aspect to note about this production is the way it depicts various races. What is the skin color of the "Good Guys?" What role do the black people play? What ethnic group do the evildoers most resemble? Why do you think entertainment creators use these kinds of stereotypes? Can you think of similar examples in other movies?

Video alternatives...

Stone-aged man also put in an appearance in the movies Ice Age and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Another man is forced to take on a heroic journey when a band of marauders attacks his town and kidnaps his wife In the Name of the King - A Dungeon Siege Tale.

Rod Gustafson

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