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Fighting

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Street-fighting saga is stylish but cliched and violent.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The movie has underlying messages about self-reliance, honor, and character -- but since the film takes place in the world of illegal street-fighting, there's a disconnect between the characters' purpose and the sometimes-brutal action. New York's neighborhoods are depicted using broad ethnic stereotypes -- Brooklyn is full of Russian Jews, Chinatown full of caricatured Asian gangsters, the Bronx teeming with cliched Latinos, etc.
  • Violence:

    Non-stop bare-knuckle brawling -- including grappling, punching, wrestling moves, kicks, punches, and more. Characters are shown bloodied and beaten after fights. Some gunplay; a supporting character is shot in the ear. The infamous "sleeper hold" is used repeatedly.
  • Sex:

    Some kissing and cleavage; some suggestive talk about transvestites. Kissing leads to what must be sex; the deed isn't shown, but it's implied via a cut to characters cuddling and getting dressed.
  • Language:

    Language includes "ass," "s--t," "dick," "nuts," "bitch," "oh my God," and "a--hole." References are made to "white boys," and the "N" word is used once.
  • Consumerism:

    Brands mentioned or featured on screen include Mercedes, Everlast, and International House of Pancakes.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Characters drink hard liquor and beer and smoke cigars and cigarettes. Characters go to bars. "Crackhead" is used as an insult.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Fighting

Parents need to know that this mediocre action drama about illegal street fighting is (suprise!) quite violent, with lots of brawling and some blood. There's a simmering romantic-sexual subplot, too, but the movie spends a lot more time on characters punching each other than on kissing. Although the movie has an underlying "follow your dream and never quit" message, it's hard to reconcile that with the illegal, brutal world it takes place in. Expect some broad ethnic stereotypes, strong language (including "s--t"), drinking, and smoking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the appeal of fighting as a sport. Is it the desire to see athletic excellence in action or something more primal? 
  • Does this kind of violence have more or less impact than explosions and gun battles? Why?
  • Families can also talk about the conflicts Shawn faces, as well as the bond he forms with his handler/manager.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    This was very good movie i loved it To get things free you should go to http://www.rewards1.com/index.php?referrer_id=259828

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title off and give it 1.0

    This movie is all around terrible. Good actors, bad acting. There is really no plot, and the horrific dialog made me burst out laughing. The movie is about a fighter who can't fight being promoted by a hustler who can't hustle. I would not recommend this movie for anyone.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

    I just didn't like it. The entire theater was bored with it. Chenning Tatum is hot and that's really the only reason I went to go see it in the first place. Totally not worth ten bucks to see

  4. I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    I know how to make your day better

    I know how to make your day better, goto http://ninjalink.com/25953okg

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 5.0

    This was the most bomb shizzy in the hizzy!!!! doug!

    this movie was awsome. one of the better movies of my day. it was worth my time to pirate it. (thanks torrents).

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