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The Count of Monte Cristo

(2002, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring James Caviezel, Luis Guzman, Guy Pearce)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    A thoroughly enjoyable movie for older kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Class differences
  • Violence:

    Swordfights and fistfights, peril, torture, death of characters
  • Sex:

    Non-explicit sexual situation and reference to out of wedlock pregnancy
  • Language:

    Insults
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    None
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Count of Monte Cristo

Parents need to know that this movie features PG-13-style peril and swordfights and characters are wounded and killed. Edmund is beaten in prison by a warden who clearly enjoys torturing the prisoners. Though it 's not explicitly shown, viewers hear screams and see his extensive scars. A character attempts suicide, and there's a suggestion that suicide is an honorable way to respond to discovery of dishonor. There's a non-explicit sexual situation, references to adultery, and a child conceived out of wedlock. Omitted from the movie are the book's depiction of character's use of opium and a concubine.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what made Fernand turn from Edmund's friend into his enemy. Why did it make Fernand angry that Edmund was "happier with his whistle than (he) was with his pony?" How do we see that Edmund is at first too trusting and then not trusting enough? What does it mean to say, "treason is a matter of dates?" What does it mean to say, "perhaps the thoughts of revenge are serving God's purpose of keeping you alive?" Or that "neglect becomes our ally?" How did hope change Edmund's attitude during his beatings? Why does he want to hold on to his hatred? How does Edmund determine the revenge that will be most painful for each of his foes?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    12-13 years old and up.. WATCH IT !!!

    One of the best movies i've ever watched i recommend it in order to enjoy the movie and understand it for teens 12-13 years old and up... smaller teens might find it violent and too complicated to understand... there's also mild sexual situations... not recommended for an under 12 to see it... one of the best movies ever... hope they make someday something similar... NOT TO MISS

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Hawaii
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    This is still my favorite movie.

    The way this movie was made is extraordinary. It is exciting, dramatic, and engaging. If there is one movie I cannot live without, it would be this one.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    Great Movie but pretty Violent.

    This movie was as good as the book but there is a lot of violence, a sexual situation and a refernce to unmarried couples making love. Kids my age (12) and up could see this movie.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    Great family adventure

    My whole mission as the resident movie dad in our household is to find movies that everyone, from 8 year olds to teens to the grownups, can and will happily watch as a group. As any parents dealing with this age-range issue knows, it's mighty hard ot do this. This film is a great example of a winner in this category. Well written and acted, it's a supremely engaging adventure tale that my teens really liked and my youngest didn't get too scared by. The only caution for younger kids is the harrowing premise of a guy being sent to a horrible prison to die for something he didn't do, it works from start to finish. I highly recommend this as a great family movie selection.

  6. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

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