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Sea of Love (1989)

Release date: 1989-09-15 Recommended age: 17+ IMDb 6.8
Sea of Love

Parent Guide

Sea of Love is an adult-oriented crime thriller with mature themes, explicit sexual content, strong language, and violence. Not suitable for children or younger teens. Recommended for mature viewers 17+ with parental guidance.

Content breakdown

Violence & peril
Moderate

Includes murder scenes (gun violence, strangulation), crime scene investigations with dead bodies, tense confrontations, and perilous situations. Violence is integral to the plot but not excessively graphic by modern standards.

Scary / disturbing
Moderate

Contains disturbing themes of serial murder, stalking through personal ads, and psychological tension. Scenes of crime investigation and the killer's methods may be unsettling. The overall tone is suspenseful rather than horror-oriented.

Language
Strong

Frequent strong language including f-words, s-words, and other profanity typical of R-rated films from this era. Language reflects the gritty police environment and adult characters.

Sexual content & nudity
Strong

Contains explicit sexual content with nudity (both male and female), sexual situations, and passionate love scenes. Central plot involves relationships formed through personal ads. Not suitable for younger viewers.

Substance use
Moderate

Characters drink alcohol in social and stressful situations (bars, apartments). Some smoking depicted. No prominent drug use shown.

Emotional intensity
Strong

High emotional intensity throughout with themes of loneliness, obsession, moral conflict, and romantic entanglement. The protagonist's personal struggles and professional dilemmas create sustained tension.

Parent tips

This R-rated film contains mature content unsuitable for children under 17 without parental guidance. Key considerations include: strong sexual content with nudity and explicit scenes, frequent strong language, intense violence including murder scenes, and themes of obsession and moral compromise. Parents should preview the film and be prepared to discuss its adult themes with older teens.

Parent chat guide

For older teens who watch this film, focus discussions on: 1) The ethical dilemmas Frank faces in his investigation and personal life, 2) How loneliness can lead to risky decisions, 3) The difference between healthy and obsessive relationships, 4) The realistic portrayal of police work versus fictional depictions, and 5) The consequences of mixing professional and personal boundaries.

Parent follow-up questions

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  • What made Frank's investigation methods problematic?
  • How did Helen's situation show the risks of personal ads?
  • What were the consequences of Frank mixing his job with his personal feelings?
  • How did the film portray the difference between loneliness and healthy relationships?

Movie details

  • Genres: Crime, Drama, Romance
  • Director: Harold Becker
  • Main cast: Al Pacino, Ellen Barkin, John Goodman, Michael Rooker, William Hickey
  • Country / region: United States of America
  • Original language: en
  • Premiere: 1989-09-15

Story overview

Sea of Love is a 1989 crime thriller starring Al Pacino as Frank Keller, a veteran New York detective nearing retirement who is investigating a series of murders linked to personal ads. As he works with another detective, he becomes romantically involved with Helen, a prime suspect, blurring professional boundaries and putting himself at risk. The film explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and moral ambiguity within a gritty urban setting.

Trailer

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