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.
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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?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 12. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Competently made action-adventure epic.
updated 07.04.08
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
About The Mask of Zorro
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.
Read our full review by Walter Metz and Marjorie Kase
Families Can Talk About
- 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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Our Members Say
See all 5 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in NebraskaI rate this title on for age 13 and give itA Fun and Rousing Adventure!
- Lives in CaliforniaI rate this title iffy for age 2 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.
- Lives in HawaiiI rate this title iffy for age 2 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.
- Lives in TexasI rate this title off for age 17 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.
- Lives in IndianaI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I was jumping up and down.
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