Tools for this page
Print

Black Book

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Mature WWII drama taps into base human instinct.

Why We Rated This not for kids

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Antisemitism, sexism, coercion, torture, and murder are all part and parcel of the storyline and setting. But the heroine is a brave, resourceful woman.
  • Violence:

    Nearly unrelenting violence, played out in full gore. A man is shot and his brain explodes; dead bodies are dug up from mass graves; lots of gunfire, hitting, slapping, and more.
  • Sex:

    Graphic nudity (including a urination scene and full-frontal shots of both men and women), simulated sex acts, sexual banter. Rachel/Ellis dyes her pubic hair in front of a mirror.
  • Language:

    Antisemitic hate words and swearing -- "s--t," "damn," etc. -- in subtitles.
  • Consumerism:

    No products of note, save for Cadbury and a specific kind of stamp.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Apropos for the era, there's plenty of drinking and smoking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Black Book

Parents need to know that this subtitled World War II drama from the director of Basic Instinct is intense from start to finish. Wartime takes its toll on all the characters, robbing them of their humanity. The lead character, Rachel/Ellis, sleeps with the enemy to infiltrate their turf, and people are dispensed with as the killers see fit. The violence is frequent and bloody, the sex is quite graphic, and characters swear, drink, and smoke.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the film's notions of good and evil. Are "bad guys" and "good guys" clearly delineated? Should they be? Also, what drives Ellis to place herself in the line of fire? Is it altruism or revenge? How could she fall in love with a Nazi, when Nazis killed her family? What drives a person to betray others for their own gain? Families also can discuss what this movie has in common, if anything, with director Paul Verhoeven's earlier, infamously sensationalistic films, like Basic Instinct and Showgirls. Does it share any characteristics with those movies? Do you think filmmakers have a certain style that affects all of their projects?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Black Book?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Great movie for Adults, definitely not for kids

    Good movie (for adults) about a Dutch Jewish woman losing her family to the Nazis and working undercover with the Dutch resistance. Very violent, lots of graphic nudity that may make teens uncomfortable. it's a gripping tale, engrossing, dark. But definitely not for your kids.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title off for age 16 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Definitely not for

    Very good movie, but at almost 17, I was very disturbed and covered my eyes a lot. There are scenes of graphic nudity and graphic violence, etc. Not for kids.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Excellent movie, but parents be warned - the nudity is graphic. That's probably my one complaint about Black Book - some of the nudity felt gratituous. Aside from that, a fantastic and completely engrossing movie. Definitely a must-see if you're not too offended by nudity.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    The somber story of WWII reduced to a popcorn flick

    Palu Vorhefen, who brought us Starship Troopes and Total Recall has now returned to his roots as a Dutch filmaker. And yet, not much as changed. The film really reminded me of starship Troopers: It is very entertaining and engrossing. It is fun. Just like Starship Troopers, there are hints at much deeper, darker, areas that the film chooses not to explore. But that's fine. We have seen the respectful, somber take on WWII many man times. Black Book offers a nice relief.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Tech Tip

    Protecting privacy is a bigger issue than predators.Beyond Safety

    Protecting privacy is a bigger issue than predators.

  • Must See TV

    Dancing with the Stars

    Dancing with the Stars

    High-kicking series has cross-generational appeal.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Sound Check

    "All Is Love" (CD single)

    "All Is Love" (CD single)

    Indie music star gives soundtrack single quirky appeal.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy