A good movie, but I'm waiting till my kids are older to share it with them. Since my older son tends to be mature, I may let him see it before he's 17, but on average, I think waiting is best for most kids. There is one terrific conversation in the movie about how the miseries of high school don't matter after graduation. For any kids who feel out of place and/or bullied, it's a good message. And lots of good discussion material for kids as they approach graduation and going out into the world.
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Bowling for Columbine
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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 16, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 17. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Must-see gun violence documentary. 17+ only.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 17–18
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 Bowling for Columbine
Parents need to know that the movie's subject is violence and it includes explicit real-life footage of the shootings at Columbine. It also includes very strong language and brief references to drinking, smoking, and sex.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the questions Moore raises. Why do Americans shoot each other so much more often than any other country? Why don't Canadians lock their front doors? Why was Moore successful in persuading K-Mart not to sell ammunition any more? What can you do to try to reduce violence or to change other things that matter to you?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
Save for the older teens
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
A fine film, although I don't agree with everything in it.
Teens should watch this film, because it does have some good points, but not everything in it is completely accurate. In an ideal world, we would have no need for guns or violence. But just because truly violent people have guns, it's no reason for others not to. After all, the violent people aren't going to be emotionally compelled to put away their weapons thanks to a Michael Moore documentary, so why should we? If we give up the guns, and they don't, aren't we just giving up our protection? And as for changing gun laws, one of the Columbine killers had the following to say in video footage: "Go ahead and change gun laws. How do you think we got ours?" They broke guns laws and bought their weapons illegally. This is a documentary about violence, so of course it's going to contain violent images, and there's some swearing as well. But even though I didn't always agree with this movie, I think that older teens should still watch it (as well as other films representing the other side) so that they may have their own informed opinion.
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
not as bad as they say
a great message. common sense gives it a 17+. i give it a 14+
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
NRA for ever!
It is plainly a movie about the Second Amendment. There is archival footage of the Colombine Massacres, but that is just to prove Moore's point. There is nothing too inappropriate.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
One of the Best Documentaries I've ever seen
This didn't deserve an R, but should be close. As for common sense media giving it a 17+ is way off. A very good movie. I'm 13, and I loved it. Everyone should see this movie.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
This is a must see for all high schoolers. Although I think Micheal Moore is a little single minded and fairly rude, he makes a good documentary and a great point. This really goes in depth to show just how common gun violence is in America.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Enter with a open mind...
Unlike what much of the right-wing propagandists say about him, Michael Moore know how to make a thought-provoking and entertaining film. And he does his research. His website has pages of fact-corroborating links and bibliographical information. I do not always agree with him, but when he makes a point, he gives good reasons. Reviewers at this site who have trashed this movie must be taken with a grain of salt...I am suspicious that they never actually watched a film made by Moore, but are defaming him (and his work) based on heresay. I trust the kids' reviews more.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Moore;s political agenda overshadows social message
This is not a movie for teens. Moore's political screed overshadows what social message there is here. With widespread "copycat" behavior among troubled teens before and after Columbine, why make a film like this?
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Amazing
this movie is definatley one of the best ive ver seen and was both funny and scary at the same time but i think that michael morre is great in the way he did this film it definetly earned that oscar. Mairlyn manson though creepy raises good point in his interview i think the cartoon was hillarious GREAT MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Moore's churned out another piece of garbage!
Another crock full of lies from Michael Moore- this time taking aim at the NRA and the Second Ammendment. A sample of the lies in the film: 1) Moore is NOT from Flint, Michigan. He just likes to claim that. 2) Witches were NOT burned in America like Moore's cartoon suggests. The witches of Salem were hanged, not burned at the stake. 3) It takes more than one hour to get a gun from the bank Moore visits. They have a 3-day waiting period. Michael only shows one. 4) The comments from Charlton Heston's speech were NOT made immediately after the Columbine shootings as Moore claimed. Moore cleverly cut-and-pasted his way into making a pseudo-mentary that turns out to be just another worthless piece of junk. Oh, and on top of that, the language is absolutely filthy. If I hadn't been forced to watch it (in class), I would have left within a few minutes.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Propaganda
Very disappointing that the CSM reviewer fails even to mention Moore's agenda, his dubious use of footage and statistics, and his hostility toward those who disagree with him. This movie is pure propaganda and to show it to children is wrong. No one should make us his mind based on hearing one very slanted side--and shame on CSM for endorsing this very slanted and dishonest piece of work simply because they (apparently) endorse Mr. Moore's goals. Should make every visitor question the judgment and motives of CSM on any movie.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Extremely moving
This movie was great! It made me see how there is no reason to have so much gun violence. I love how Michael Moore outsmarts so many people in this movie -- he is great!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
A must see for right wingers
This film is ingenious not only in its humor, but displaying the effects of gun violence on people. There are no explanations, just information and extremely powerful video. Micheal Moore is the king of attacking the right wing in an entertaining, ironic, and humorous way. He reminds me a lot of Abby Hoffman.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE
A very strong sad but powerful documentary that shouldnt be missed. Sex-5: Sexual references Violence-10: Very graphic scenes Language-8: Some strong language
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
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