The Book of Clarence is an audacious experiment that won’t be for everyone. It’s loud, it’s messy, it’s sacrilegious, and it’s hilarious. Check out the details in my parents guide movie review.
The Book of Clarence releases in theaters across the United States next Friday, January 12, 2023. The film stars Lakeith Stanfield (Clarence), Benedict Cumberbatch (Benjamin), James McAvoy (Pontius Pilot), Teyana Taylor (Mary Magdalene), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Clarence’s mom), Anna Diop (Jedediah’s sister), Micheal Ward (Judas Iscarot), David Oyelowo (John the Baptist), Alfre Woodard (Mother Mary), and Omar Sy. The film was written and directed by Jeymes Samuel. Check out the details in my parents guide movie review.
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The Book of Clarence Movie Quotes
The Book of Clarence Parents Guide
In The Book of Clarence: A down-on-his-luck man struggles to find a better life for his family while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, ultimately discovering that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out.
The Book of Clarence Age Rating Parents Guide
Let’s take a look at what concerned parents need to know about the age ratings of the series before letting their younger children watch The Book of Clarence.
Language: The Book of Clarence contains some strong language, with profanity and snippets of language used throughout. Stronger words include wh*re, a**, d*mn, the N-word, one use of the word “mother f*ck*r” and one “what the f…” but the F word was not completed.
Mature Content: The biggest lookout in the film, other than the stronger language, is the violent content, drug use content, aberrational behavior, and mature themes. The film centers around the story of the crucifixion of Christ, so there are scenes showing men crucified on the cross, scenes that include men being beaten bloody and nailed to the cross, gladiators fighting a bloody battle, a scene that shows a man stabbed with spears multiple times, and a woman being stoned. The film has multiple drug abuse scenes, showing men smoking out of a hooka, getting high, and even floating. While there are no sex scenes to speak of, there is a scene that shows brief nudity, such as women dressed scantily dancing seductively in a club-like atmosphere. There is also discussion of Mary’s virginity and a scene that shows a nude statue, revealing the statue’s penis.
Age Rating of the Movie The Book of Clarence: Tristar Pictures The Book of Clarence movie rating has a PG-13 rating by the Motion Picture Association of America – MPAA ratings – for strong violence, drug use, strong language, some suggestive material, and smoking, and the parental guidelines advisory recommends it for mature audiences, an older audience, an adult audience, young viewers, young adult, little kids, older kids, and teens aged 13 years and older. The suggestion of parental guidance or a legal guardian (adult guardian) for this restricted PG-13 category is highly suggested for young children, teenage children. and young kids under 13 years of age in this PG-13-rated motion picture for adult material. The minimum age recommendation is 13 years old.
Overall Thoughts
The Book of Clarence throws open the dusty doors of biblical Judea and blasts in a modern beat. It’s the story of Clarence, a charmingly slick hustler who stumbles into becoming the new Messiah, AKA a fake messiah, in the shadow of Jesus’ rising fame. Buckle up, folks, because this film is a wild ride.
Jeymes Samuel, the director of The Book of Clarence, paints Jerusalem with a vibrant brush. Sun-baked small town streets buzz with life, from opulent palaces to grimy alleys. The costumes are a delightful collision of eras, with flowing robes draped over skinny jeans. And the soundtrack? Oh, the soundtrack! Hip-hop beats mingle with traditional Middle Eastern melodies, creating a pulsating sonic tapestry that elevates every scene.
LaKeith Stanfield is Clarence, and he owns it. His charisma is a double-edged sword, making him both undeniably likable and a little slippery. You root for him even as you question his motives. He can spin a lie smoother than olive oil and deliver a sermon with a streetwise swagger that’s both hilarious and oddly captivating. Supporting cast is also top-notch, particularly Clarence’s best friends Elijah, played by RJ Cyler and Omar Sy.
The Book of Clarence is packed with humor, much of it born from the absurdity of Clarence’s situation. His fake miracles are laugh-out-loud funny, and his interactions with the Roman soldiers are pure comic gold. But the film also ventures into darker territory, tackling religious hypocrisy and societal injustice with sharp wit and biting satire. Prepare for both guffaws and gasps.