The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) (R)
Best for older teens and adults only.
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Seen the movie?
Movie details
- Studio: New Line Cinema
- Directed By: Tobe Hooper
- Cast: Marilyn Burns, Ed Neal
- Running Time: 83 minutes
- Release Date: 01/01/1974
- Video/DVD Release Date: 01/01/1974
- Genre: Horror
- MPAA Rating: R
- MPAA Explanation: violence
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this movie has some blood and gore, the amount is noticeably less than what appears in modern horror movies. Also missing here is the extremely profane language and sex/nudity that are very much a part of current scary movies. Despite this, the movie is still way too scary and intense for younger teens--if you watch with your older teen, you might want to discuss how horror movies have changed over time. Do they think the additional violence in modern horror flicks makes them scarier?
Families can talk about the difference in amount and type of violence in this horror classic, and some of the more graphic films of today. Do you think it's possible for young people, and even adults, to become desensitized to violence by watching really violent films?
Families can talk about the difference in amount and type of violence in this horror classic, and some of the more graphic films of today. Do you think it's possible for young people, and even adults, to become desensitized to violence by watching really violent films?
Message
Social Behavior:
The cast is all white; one character is in a wheelchair. The characters pick up a hitchhiker.
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Violence
Graphic description of how cows are slaughtered. Characters are cut, stabbed, sliced, and hung--but there is not nearly as much blood/gore as there is in modern horror movies. Disturbing images, such as decaying bodies, skeletons, and a nest of daddy lo
Sex
Language
Mild, especially considering that the characters are being chased by crazed killers.
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Common Sense Media
In this horror classic, Sally and her brother Franklin learn that their grandfather's grave may have been desecrated, so they, along with three of their friends, hop in a van to go investigate. On the way, they pick up a hitchhiker who turns out to be insane. After they force him out of the van, they continue on to Sally and Franklin's grandfather's abandoned house. Before long, they meet up with the crazed cannibal named Leatherface (his mask is made of human flesh), and his equally insane family. One by one they are chased and brutally killed by this evil madman until only one remains.
Is it any good?
THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE is considered a classic by horror movie aficionados, and it's easy to see why--at the time, no one had ever created anything quite like it. Some called it a brilliant commentary on a post-Vietnam era. Others called it the most offensive movie ever made. Regardless, it struck a chord with audiences back in 1974, and it still manages to capture our attention today.
Despite this terrifying premise, the blood and guts is kept to a minimum for an R-rated movie. When someone is stabbed, we don't actually see the knife going into the flesh or the bloody organs that lie beneath. The audience is left to fill in these blanks on their own. Yet, the movie still manages to be extremely scary. The chase scenes are especially intense, and the scene is which Sally attends the family dinner is horrifying because we can see her pure terror--the camera zooms in on the blood vessels popping out of her eyes. Overall, this is a very disturbing movie that is best for older teens and adults only. One final note: This version is much better (and less violent) than the 2003 remake.
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Parents and kids say
All Reviews
There are 5 reviews.
Posted on 11/29/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12
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Kids Reviews
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Posted on 11/29/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12
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