I think this is a good movie, but it is definitely not for kids. I read on Wikipedia that the violence was enough to get this rated NC-17, but the MPAA decided to rate it R because of it's historical value. I'm not saying you should never watch this movie, but no one under 18 or 19 should.
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Saving Private Ryan
(2007, Rated R, Action/adventure, Starring Edward Burns, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, Barry Pepper, Giovanni Ribisi)
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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 15, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 16. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Bloody, tragic war epic doesn't hold back.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 16 and Up
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 Saving Private Ryan
Parents need to know that this is Steven Spielberg's most violent film, especially in the opening 25-minute D-Day invasion massacres. There's no sugar-coating, no "cartoon violence," no nameless, inconsequential casualties like LucasFilm Imperial Stormtroopers. This is unrestrained, ugly, and dirty combat, meant to make the viewer appreciate the monstrous human cost and tragic sacrifice of the Allied beachhead -- a price mostly paid by young men. Stunned, vengeful U.S. soldiers are seen committing what would be considered atrocities (shooting surrendering Germans, as well as innocent non-Germans who can't speak English). Even though characters are religious -- one prays fervently before killing with his sniper skills -- everyone swears a lot, too. Some "special editions" carry supplementary documentary material, including clips of Steven Spielberg's own 8mm war movies he made as a kid.
Read our full review by Charles Cassady Jr.
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the D-Day invasion, and especially the troop makeup of WWII -- a lot of fighting and dying was done by soldiers who were hardly more than boys. The behavior of characters under fire includes cowardice and vicious homicide, unleashed even at surrendering enemy. Do you think those man can be excused for such a breakdown of discipline? What about soldiers in the field today? Was the mission to save Ryan worth the risk after all? What other war movies and documentaries have you seen? Do they seem true to life? How about the coverage you see in the news? Is it balanced? How would you be able to tell?
Our Members Say
See all 43 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Fine for adults, off for 17 and under.
- I rate this title off for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
This may be one of the most violent war movies you will ever see.
- I rate this title off for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Gory...
Sure it is a very positive film but, it is very violent and I urge parents to see this movie with their children.
- I rate this title off for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
GRAPHIC, VIOLENT, EXPLICIT, AND AWESOME
POSSIBLY THE MOST GRAPHIC, VIOLENT MOVIE YOU WILL EVER SEE! Limbs are blown off, organs are spilling out, f-bombs dropping every 4 minutes. but the BEST war movie ever. I was only able to see it because it was on tv
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
Best depiction of war isn't a good thing
It is very gruesome including a scene with a man crying for his mother and clutching his entrails and another where a man drags a wounded comrade and then looks back to see the comrade missing half the body. In other words it is very bloody and depicts war well. There are scenes where the men talk about sex in the end. Strong language is used. In a closing scene u see a nazi slowly pushing a knife into an american and whispering things. then you see an american shoot him after he surrenders. Not recomended for anyone under 13.
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
tHIS WAR MOVIE IS SO AWSOME BEST WAR MOVIE EVER!!!
THIS WAR MOVIE IS THE MOST BLODEST MOST VILOENT MOST GROOSEM MOST BLOODY WAR MOST GRAPHIL MOST RELSITIC WAR MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN PARNETS NEVER LET YPUR CHILD UNDER 17 WATCH THIS MOVIE IF YOU DO PROVIDED PARENTAL GUIDENCE!!!
- I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
A great eye opener to kids to realise was is not all glory. The whole movie will have kids sitting there stunned at the horror of it all. The movie is simply savage, with the film depicting the great pains of war. Great directing by legedary Steven Spielberg, a classic.
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
This is one of my favorite movies. The first 25 minutes are very graphic and have a bad influence on younger kids. Spielberg very accurately shows the fears soldiers go through and shows that they are like normal people. None of the soldiers comes in to save the day like most people think they will. It is a very heartbreaking movie but it filmmaking at near its best. It also shows what war veterans go through. It is a war movie like no other. *This review was written by a 12 year old.
- I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
Just how war is
Good movie, strong violence and language. Mature audiences recommended, but i dont think females would be attracted to this movie.
- I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
Excellent; Probably the Best War Film I've Ever Seen.
This is a brilliant film. It has constant, no-holds-bar action (especially the opening and the climax)and very moving preformances. Well done, Spielberg, you've done it again.
- I rate this title off for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Great movie, but Too Much Violence for Younger Reviewers
Another great piece from Spielberg, this is a film not for children. The first 25 minutes of the movie is one of the most violent pieces in cinema, and simply from that part, you know it isn't for kids. People under age 16 could easily become desensitized to the violence present in this film. I saw it at age 16, and it was a pretty gruesome film, and often times made me cringe. The swearing is also bad, but considering it is a war movie, as Tim O'Brien put it, "If you send your kids to war, expect them to come home talking dirty." The role models are very good, especially Tom Hanks' character who risks and gives his life for another man. One of the ultimate stories of sacrifice for a greater cause, it is a wonderful piece for anyone age 17 and up.
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Five out of five stars.
This story is one that needs to be shown everywhere. A fine movie that makes you realize that we can't watch and wait. Go.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
The Best War Movie of ALL Time. A must see!!!
We watched this in high school, and my God, it was beyond amazing. It is VERY graphic (blood, guts, dismemberment), but it is amazing nonetheless. I was able to handle it as a 14 year old without screaming or crying (is this what parents are afraid of us doing when we see a R rated movie?). Although, I could understand that some teens might be disturbed by the content, but if they want to watch it, let them. It is an amazing emotional WW2 tale. If you want to show your kid an action movie, this should be it. You won't regret it.
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Just Depends.
I think that maturity level and sensitivity to violence are both very important subjects to consider before you see this movie. If you are sensitive to gore don't see this movie. Also, if cursing is an issue for you don't watch this film. F-bombs are quite routine.
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Incrediblely realistic movie for a teenager and older.
This movie is often called one the best WWII movie of all time... and it's hard to disagree. This movie in general is about a young soldier named Private Ryan who's brothers all die in combat, and he's the last son of his parents remaining. So Tom Hanks and his company of Sergeants all go out on a quest to find Private Ryan and bring him back home to his parents, which is the first presentation of a good role model. In general though, the movie is very gory and does contain a great deal of realistic cussing and swearing. The reasoning behind my supporting of this swearing is simple, you need to put yourself in the position of these WWII soldiers on the battlefield. If there were bullets screaming past your head, wouldn't you have the urge to let out the "f" bomb??? So if you are a parent and think it is okay for your teenager to watch the movie, watch it with them and discuss what's happening if you really feel the urge. Saving Private Ryan gets a 5 out of 5 .
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
Best war movie ever!
Best WW2 movie ever! Please please please see this movie! Even young kids need to be educated about war. This movie is life changing and will make you think about how lucky you are. This movie made me cry too. Yes, this movie is violent but thats reality. My father was deployed to Iraq when I was younger so I know about war. Besides the violence, enjoy this wonderful masterpiece!
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
Everyone should see this
At some point in your life, you must expierence this film. I have been hardened to movie violence. I make my own films on an advanced editing system, I know it's all fake, and what goes into it.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
One of the Best War Films ever. Tom Hanks. Vin Diesal, Barry Pepper, ect.
I cannot give an age because you just have to be able to handle the horror and violence of war.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
NOT FOR PEOPLE UNDER 17!!!
IT IS A GREAT MOVIE but the violence and swearing is overly gruesome,sick,intense,and gross
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
My Favorite Movie
I have to admit this is my all time favorite movie. It is an amazing story but not very appropriate for you children. The first battle depicts d-day. This is the most graphic scene in any movie known to man. There are armless people, burning people a guy with his chest blown open with his innards hanging out. People are shot in the head and massacred. I can’t give you every detail or id be here all day. There is no sex or nudity. A lot of foul language, and show graphic scenes of war. One scene in particular shows a man slowly stabbed by a Nazi and I almost threw up. I’m ok with guts and all that stuff but if your child can’t watch the Discovery health channel then don’t let them watch it. This may even scare some adults so if you are the most bit squeamish DON’T WATCH IT!!!!!!!!!!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 60% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 40% | of parents say there are good role models |
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