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12 Monkeys

(1995, Rated R, Drama, Starring Brad Pitt, Madeleine Stowe, Bruce Willis)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Terry Gilliam's violent dystopian masterpiece.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A scientist releases the plague that nearly destroys civilization.
  • Violence:

    James beats several people to death. There are also several scenes with guns and knives, including a disturbing scene that takes place in WWI trenches.
  • Sex:

    Although relatively clear of sexual content, the film has quite a bit of non-sexual nudity.
  • Language:

    Some strong language.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Characters drink and smoke, but more upsetting are scenes in which James is tranquilized in jail and the mental hospital.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About 12 Monkeys

Parents need to know that this is a disturbing dystopian film that addresses the near eradication of human civilization by a virus. Characters drink, smoke, get in fights, evade the police, and kill one another. There are also upsetting scenes of mental institutions and jails as well as a graphic scene depicting WWI trenches. James Cole is repeatedly sedated, and images of him drooling and nearly catatonic are featured at several points. The movie raises lots of complex moral questions.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the boundaries between the sane and insane. Why is James Cole viewed as "sane" by some characters and "insane" by others? Similar questions could be asked about other characters, including Kathryn Railly and Jeffrey Goines. The film also deals extensively with issues of surveillance. Who is being watched in the film and why? Who is monitoring characters? How does this monitoring impact the characters and their actions?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    great movie

    This movie wasnt intended for children. Reading the outline of the movie would tell you that. Yes, its a dark movie but a great one at that!

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A thriller with a great twisting ending

    This movie was a brilliant psychological thriller starring Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt and Madeleine Stowe. This movie had action, heart pounding suspense and a great story. It's about Bruce willis is from the future and he is sent back into the past and try to stop a group called the army of the twelve monkeys. He is trying to stop a virus that will kill 5 billion people. I would note that this movie has a bit of violence. There are some scenes where Bruce willis brutally beats a person with his fists to death. Plus some scenes with guns. If you like, Action, Sci-Fi or Thrillers, or if you like anyone in the cast, Do see this movie. It's breath taking!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 5.0

    ........B.........U..........M..........

    WOW, THIS movie was BOOOOOOORIIIIINGGG, and did it ever suck, probly one of pitts WORSED movies,,,,, it was BUM!! !

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