Red Dragon (R)

Great, but too scary and violent for most teens.

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About Our Ratings
Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Universal Pictures
  • Directed By: Brett Ratner
  • Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton
  • Running Time: 124 minutes
  • Release Date: 10/04/2002
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 04/01/2003
  • Genre: Thriller
  • MPAA Rating: R
  • MPAA Explanation: graphic, intense violence and some nudity

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie has extreme peril, including a child in danger, and explicit graphic violence. The overall tone of the movie can be deeply disturbing for some audience members and viewers of all ages should carefully consider whether it is appropriate viewing. There are some sexual references and situations.

Families can talk about how this series and the character Hannibal glorifies the idea of serial killers. Families can also talk about Graham's conversation with Reba. How was what he said important to her? If the FBI comes back to Will to ask him to help again, what should he do? Why? Why are people so fascinated with the Hannibal Lecter character?

Message

Social Behavior:

All major characters are white, minor Asian character.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Drinking and smoking

Violence

Very graphic violence, many deaths Very intense peril.

Sex

Nudity and sexual references and situations.

Language

Strong language.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Nell Minow

Hannibal Lecter is back in RED DRAGON. This time, FBI agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) consults Lecter on a series of murders and then is responsible for his capture, after Lecter tries to kill him. Graham retires from the FBI, but is called back in to consult when another serial killer has murdered two families. Graham visits Lecter in prison to ask for his help tracking down a killer known as “The Tooth Fairy.” Unbeknownst to Graham, Lecter is communicating with the killer, who is Francis Dolarhyde (Ralph Fiennes). Meanwhile, Dolarhyde is drawn to his blind coworker Reba (Emily Watson), and he struggles with the demons that tell him to kill and the tender feelings he has for her. Graham must work quickly to uncover the killer’s identity, because Dolarhyde’s next intended victims are those closest to the FBI agent’s heart.

Is it any good?

3
As engrossing as it is to track down the new killer, the real thrill of Red Dragon is the interaction between Graham and Lecter. Norton's character is more of a challenge for Lecter than novice Clarice Starling (from Silence of the Lambs), and the history between them – and some similarities between them – make for some electric moments on screen. At first, the effort to explain Dolarhyde’s compulsion seems overly simplistic, but the way it is used in the movie's climax makes it work.

Every single part of Red Dragon is meticulously cast and brilliantly performed. Among many notable appearances, particular standouts are Harvey Keitel and Ken Leung as FBI agents and Philip Seymour Hoffman as a tabloid reporter. But the primary pleasure here is just being so scared that you might forget to breathe.

Other choices

Manhunter
Silence of the Lambs
Psycho
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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 3 reviews.

5


Posted on 04/16/07 by Reil19 Kid contributor, age 13

got to read it if your under 10 years

BEst book ever!!! read it kids
4


Posted on 01/16/07 by WayTooDramatic Kid contributor, age 15

Almost as good as the first!

I don't think Common Sense Media really went into detail in their review. Some things they left out that I thought should be there are there is nudity, although it is rather short. There is some shots from the back, and almost full frontal male nudity (a man is running upstairs naked and although he is covered in shadow, you can see everything). The violence may be disturbing, such as a child in danger, a man is lit on fire (you don't see that actual part, just him while he is completely engulfed in flames), graphic and bloody shots of mutilated bodies, a bloody corpse, and near the beginning, a man is shot and proceeds to stab his attacker with arrows. But all in all, a good movie. The only issues you may consider before letting you kids see it is the nudity and whether they get grossed out eaisly.
Age 17+
5

Posted on 08/12/03 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Adult Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

Age 17+
5

Posted on 08/12/03 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Kids Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

5


Posted on 04/16/07 by Reil19 Kid contributor, age 13

got to read it if your under 10 years

BEst book ever!!! read it kids
4


Posted on 01/16/07 by WayTooDramatic Kid contributor, age 15

Almost as good as the first!

I don't think Common Sense Media really went into detail in their review. Some things they left out that I thought should be there are there is nudity, although it is rather short. There is some shots from the back, and almost full frontal male nudity (a man is running upstairs naked and although he is covered in shadow, you can see everything). The violence may be disturbing, such as a child in danger, a man is lit on fire (you don't see that actual part, just him while he is completely engulfed in flames), graphic and bloody shots of mutilated bodies, a bloody corpse, and near the beginning, a man is shot and proceeds to stab his attacker with arrows. But all in all, a good movie. The only issues you may consider before letting you kids see it is the nudity and whether they get grossed out eaisly.
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