Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Alphaville

film

Alphaville

1965

Lemmy Caution is on a mission to eliminate Professor Von Braun, the creator of a malevolent computer that rules the city of Alphaville. Befriended by the scientist’s daughter Natasha, Lemmy must unravel the mysteries of the strictly logical Alpha 60 and teach Natasha the meaning of the word “love.”

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent or starkly described executions and killings, a death during sex, sexual references, authoritarian violence, and intellectually demanding themes make this best suited to mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Several characters die through executions or killings, including Dickson and Professor von Braun; death is a major plot element.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief, somewhat abstract imagery of executions in a swimming pool and execution theaters.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Language is period-appropriate for a 1960s hard-boiled noir film; contains some mild aggressive dialogue.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

A Bible-like book appears, but it is revealed to be a dictionary; religious practice is not a central theme.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Lemmy falls in love with Natacha, and their relationship helps restore emotion and individuality.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The oppressive computer regime, death sentences, executions, brainwashing and threatened killings create sustained, serious menace rather than occasional mild tension.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

A character has sex with a seductress before dying; sexualized seductresses and mature references are present.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Noir-style smoking or drinking may occur incidentally, but substance use is not central, glamorized or presented as a major story element.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Executions, machine-gunning, stabbing, electrocution, shootings, and multiple killings are central to the dystopian plot.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Lemmy risks execution and opposes a powerful regime, while Natacha courageously recovers emotion and individual identity.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Poetry, riddles, emotion, and imaginative surrealist world-building are essential tools for defeating rigid machine logic.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the limited diversity of 1965 French cinema, focusing primarily on a Western/European cast.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It invites reflection on language, technology, authoritarianism, poetry, science, and political control, though it is not instructional.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Compassion and saving those who weep are valued, but the society is defined by cruelty and emotional suppression.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly argues for free thought, love, poetry, conscience, individuality, and resistance to authoritarian technocracy.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Lemmy resists tyranny and protects individuality, but is also a violent, morally rough antihero who kills people.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Alphaville would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Alphaville, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating