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12 Monkeys (R, 1995)

common sense media says

Terry Gilliam's violent dystopian masterpiece.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say there are positive role models
See all 10 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

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.

Positive 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 applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Characters drink and smoke, but more upsetting are scenes in which James is tranquilized in jail and the mental hospital.
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More on 12 Monkeys

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
12 MONKEY'S futuristic plot follows convict James Cole (Bruce Willis), who is "volunteered" to go on a mission back in time to 1996 to seek information pertaining to the Army of the Twelve Monkeys, a group believed to be responsible for releasing the deadly virus that nearly wiped out the earth's population. Time travel turns out to be an inexact science though, and Cole is inadvertently sent to 1990, where he is institutionalized for insanity and meets Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe), a sympathetic psychiatrist. While in the mental institution, Cole meets Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt) the lunatic son of a well-known scientist. Whisked back to the post-apocalyptic present, Cole realizes that Goines is the leader of the Army of the 12 Monkeys. He asks to return to the past, where he again encounters Railly and further investigates the events leading to the release of the deadly virus, growing increasingly paranoid about surveillance by authorities, both in his present and in the past he is visiting.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Few directors have visions as ambitious as Terry Gilliam's. Although cinematically rich, 12 Monkeys is more than just a feast for the eyes -- it's a sharply-written, well-acted piece of cultural commentary.

Acting throughout the film is exceptional. Although at times skeptical or downright terrified, Stowe makes her character's alliance with James Cole seem reasonable. In the lead, Bruce Willis really demonstrates why he has managed such a long career; he is utterly charismatic on-screen. Gilliam's artistic vision is really allowed to develop in the film, and as a result, the film provides some very interesting commentary on the proliferation of media outlets.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Terry Gilliam
Cast: Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe
Genre: Drama
Run time: 130 minutes
Theatrical release: January 1, 1995
DVD release: May 10, 2005
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: violence and language
This review was written by Carly Kocurek
 
 

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What parents & educators say

16
Based on 6 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there are positive role models
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Most useful reviews by all members

wifeunit
adult
 
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!
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12 Monkeys
parent of 17 year old
17
 
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MovieLover4Lyfe
adult
14
 
I've only seen the beginning of this movie, maybe the first 30-45 minutes or so, but I wasn't put off but what I saw. It seems to be a thriller that will make you think. I'm looking forward to finishing the movie soon.
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awesome boy 2
kid, 11 years old
10
 
should of been rated PG-13 iffy for 10-13
this movie is not much action for a bruce willis movie should of been rated PG-13 plus i cant belive bruce willis dies in it.
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jianan4115
parent of 18 year old
17
 
cool maplestory
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bballdiaries
teen, 17 years old
 
........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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Zursery2010
parent
17
 
Loved it
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movienut
adult
 
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!
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cheese-process
teen, 15 years old
14
 
Great, psychological movie!
Great movie! I think that anybody who can handle some blood can handle this movie. I loved how well all the actors portrayed their roles, and how I felt a little crazy just watching it. Awesome and unique thriller!
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zrandolph2
teen, 16 years old
15
 
Okay
eh not my type of movie okay
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