THE MASK OF ZORRO is a fun movie, but not for all. Violence is the biggest issue in the film. Swordfights, duels, deaths, and big flashy explosions populate this adventure. One scene very briefly shows a man's decapitated head and hand floating in water. The violence is mostly without gore. Language consists of one use of "d**n". Sex consists of one very brief shot of several men's bare behinds, and one playful scene where Elena's top is cut off (but no nudity shown at all). It's a fun, rousing adventure that makes a good family movie, but I wouldn't show it to sensitive kids. Recommended.
The Mask of Zorro
(1998, Rated PG-13, Action/adventure, Starring Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Competently made action-adventure epic.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 12–13
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Mask of Zorro was written by Walter Metz and Marjorie Kase
Parents need to know that this film is an action epic, featuring mostly sword fighting and some significantly intense moments of violence and (cartoonish) gore. The film is not suitable for any child who is easily upset by intense action or simulated gore. Teenagers are its target audience, but not much in the film would bother younger children that are used to Hollywood action clichés.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the role adults have in training their children as future citizens. As with most action movies, the ambiguous morality of revenge is the film's central concern. Is it right for both Zorros to devote their lives to violence to avenge the wrongful deaths of their loved ones? When does justice become vigilantism? What is the proper role of individuals in righting clear social wrongs that are depicted in the film?
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More on The Mask of Zorro
What’s the Story?
THE MASK OF ZORRO is built upon the development of the father-son relationship and engagingly explores the family dynamics that result. The story begins with Diego de la Vega's (Anthony Hopkins) capture by Don Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson), an evil American cavalry officer. Montero murders Zorro's wife and steals his infant child, Elena (Catherine-Zeta-Jones). Twenty years later, the former Zorro seeks to train a younger replacement so that he may avenge the death of his wife and retrieve his now-grown daughter. Zorro chooses Alejandro Murrieta (Antonio Banderas) as his protégé. Together, they battle Montero with courage and bravery.
Is It Any Good?
THE MASK OF ZORRO rises above the banal Hollywood action film, due to the fine performances of Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas as the old and young Zorros. The overall plot is quite engaging and offers the traditional fun of watching heroes vanquish evil villains. However, if viewing a high-quality film with your child is what you are after, it's best to look elsewhere.
Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar, Director: Martin Campbell
Run time: 137 minutes
Theatrical release: 07/17/1998, DVD release: 12/01/1998
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense action and violence
Run time: 137 minutes
Theatrical release: 07/17/1998, DVD release: 12/01/1998
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense action and violence
Our Members Say
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Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
A Fun and Rousing Adventure!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
I was jumping up and down.
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I rate this title off for age 0 and give it
Caution! Very Gory
The head being severed is off screen but latter in the film you are shown a close up of the head and hand of the hero's brother in jars! Both the nemesis and the hero drink from this jar! This was very disturbing for our daughter. We stopped the film. Some scenes are cartoonish but not these parts.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
better than the second one
luved it :-D the part where the head and hand are shown in jars is sooo fake. everything else is just action vioence. this movie is a lot more serious and action filled than the second one.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
Would be a great movie if they took out one scence
I watched this movie with my family and I suprsingly liked it. It was great, except for the part when the blond guy takes out Alejandro's brothers head. That was very disturbing and unexpected.
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