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3. SEN confesses to OMM in a later scene, begging to be pointed in the right direction. What are his motivations for doing this? How does this compare to our own prayer life with God? Does the scene strengthen or weaken his character in our eyes?

The Family Corner

THX 1138 is rated R for some sexuality and nudity. The sexuality is less than what's typical in a PG-13 film or television, but the nudity goes far enough to earn it an R rating. It's primarily used in scenes between THX and LUH to imply that they have had sex, though there is also a newly restored scene in which THX is aroused by a holographic nude dancer. While the scenes aren't "essential" to the film, they're not gratuitous or exploited either, included to contrast "Eden-like" human contact with the cold and sterile technology-driven world that the characters inhabit. THX 1138 is intended for mature viewing audiences; besides, most kids under 15 will be bored with the film anyway.

Photos © Copyright Warner Bros.

Restoring the visuals to pristine, powerful imagery, enhancing them with elaborate digital effects, and remastering the timeworn soundtrack, George Lucas has turned his 1971 sci-fi "art" film THX 1138 into a compelling new big screen experience.

But Star Wars fans might want to think twice before hurrying out to catch a screening—and they should definitely not take their kids. This is a film for mature, discerning viewers who can weather its bleak and oppressive vision of an Orwellian future.

THX 1138 is the name of the character played by Robert Duvall, who gives an impressive performance here as a troubled robot-factory worker, burdened by the drugs that the oppressive government employs to manipulate him and his fellow citizens. Tormented by the effects of the drugs and struggling with his lack of privacy, he seeks refuge in an illegal romance with his cell "mate." For this, he does prison time with detainees who are crazy, terrified, dangerous, or—worst of all—philosophical. The company there proves intolerable, so he sets out to escape.

Lucas has done a fantastic job of improving a harsh, challenging, bewildering film into a much more convincing and fascinating spectacle. Unfortunately, the story remains poorly developed, and the conclusion is abrupt and rather unsatisfying. It's a science fiction oddity that only die-hard fans of the genre will find worthwhile. (My full review is at Looking Closer.)

Russ Breimeier (Christianity Today Movies) sums up the film saying, "There's no question that George Lucas has succeeded here in restoring THX 1138 for a new generation. Enhancing the film's vision, message, drama, and humor with special effects and a clearer presentation, he's turned something that was relatively unwatchable (by today's cinematic standards) into something that can easily endure as a sci-fi classic for many years."

He also cautions "family-minded audiences" that the film is rated R for sexuality and nudity. "Many of today's PG-13 films are more explicit and gratuitous than this. Though a lot of skin is shown, it's less titillating than it is 'Eden like,' contrasting human intimacy with the world in which they live."

Mainstream critics are impressed with Lucas's restoration and revisions.

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