Reservoir Dogs (R)
Raw and bloody. For adults.
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Movie details
- Studio: Artisan Entertainment
- Directed By: Quentin Tarantino
- Cast: Harvey Keitel, Chris Penn, Tim Roth
- Running Time: 100 minutes
- Release Date: 01/01/1992
- Video/DVD Release Date: 03/18/2003
- Genre: Drama
- MPAA Rating: R
- MPAA Explanation: strong violence and language.
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a film that focuses on a group of jewel thieves in the aftermath of a botched robbery. The dialogue features a constant stream of obscenities as the characters verbally spar with each other. Copious amounts of blood are featured throughout the entire film as a character is shown bleeding to death. Another character is tortured by being tied to a chair, having his ear cut off with a knife, and having gasoline poured over him with the intention of setting him on fire. The final shootout among the thieves is tense, emotional, and bloody.
Families can talk about the violence and language here. Would the story have been as powerful if it had been less explicit? Do you think the mature material makes it more appealing to younger audiences?
Families can talk about the violence and language here. Would the story have been as powerful if it had been less explicit? Do you think the mature material makes it more appealing to younger audiences?
Message
Social Behavior:
Most characters are unrepentant jewel thieves.
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Characters smoking tobacco and drink. A character smuggles a suitcase of drugs past police.
Violence
Gunfights, bleeding wounds, sadistic torture.
Sex
Language
Almost every line of dialogue is peppered with obscenities. Sexual joking and sexually-based insults traded by characters.
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by David Gurney
RESERVOIR DOGS is the film that put Quentin Tarantino into the cinematic spotlight. Not only did he write and direct the film, but he is also featured in the role of Mr. Brown, one of a seven-member group of jewel thieves. His trademarks of amplified violence and vulgar dialogue are in full force, as are the flurry of obscure to not-so-obscure pop culture references woven into the dialogue. Cleverly, and famously, the heist is never actually shown, and in truth, the crime itself is not the point. The presence of an undercover cop amongst the thieves exists as the dramatic crux of the film.
Is it any good?
Resevoir Dogs ranks as one of the finest, and most gut-wrenching, crime dramas ever, but is certainly not for the faint of heart. Even at this early stage in his career, Tarantino does expertly builds tension, interweaving scenes of the aftermath of the thieves' foiled heist with scenes depicting them getting ready for the heist.
The film also features great performances from a knockout cast including Steve Buscemi, Harvey Keitel, and Tim Roth.
Other choices
Parents and kids say
All Reviews
There are 7 reviews.
Posted on 08/23/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13
Adult Reviews
There are 0 reviews.
There are no adult reviews.
Kids Reviews
There are 7 reviews.
Posted on 08/23/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13
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