The Kingdom (R, 2007)
common sense media says
Intense, bloody look at Mid East violence.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this intense, bloody movie isn't for kids. There are explosions, shootings, hand-to-hand combat, torture, kidnapping, a careening car chase, explicit shots of bloody bodies and body parts, and more. The overall plot and themes are also mature -- terrorism, graphic crime investigation, children at risk and killed, etc. -- and the camerawork is especially chaotic (some viewers may be bothered by its pretty much nonstop movement). Language includes multiple uses of "f--k" (which offends the Saudi police chief) and other profanity.
Violence:
Opening montage shows archival news footage of war and terrorism (including a plane hitting the World Trade Center on 9/11). The early Riyadh attack scene includes explosions; shootings of men in uniforms, civilians, and children (a child watches a man get shot); bloody limbs, torsos, and faces; many bodies falling; and a suicide bomber exploding a grenade. Observers videotape the attack; the footage appears again in the film, and flashbacks show the attack several times. A forensics team examines the bomb crater, including body parts. Tense confrontation leads to a man slapping another. Retired bomb-maker talks about being haunted by "dead faces" and shows his hand, which is missing fingers. Roadside bomb explodes a car. Shoot-out leaves bloody bodies (shown in close-up). Chase scene features cars crashing and frenzied camerawork. Team member is kidnapped, dragged (leaving a bloody trail), tied up, tortured, and very bloody. Team's assault on the kidnappers' hideout involves lots of shooting, chaos, and noise (as well as children as witnesses), and the death of a key character.
Sex:
Brief reference to Janet's T-shirted figure, which Saudi hosts believe should be covered more completely (Ron says she must "dial down the boobies"). Brief kiss.
Language:
Language includes lots of uses of "f--k" (20+), plus "s--t," "bulls--t," "goddamn," "son of a bitch," "lucky bastard," and other phrases ("circle jerk," "you big queer").
Consumerism:
Images of or references to CNN, Larry King, Washington Post, Scrabble, L.L. Bean, Washington Wizards, Kobe Bryant, Rambo, the Hulk, Steve Austin (the Six Million Dollar Man), and The Pixies (band T-shirt).
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
A few scenes of a character smoking cigarettes.
More on The Kingdom
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
D-Fresh
adult
adult
Great clean action movie
This is the reality of who and what we are fighting in the middle east. Two out of five stars... come on now. Not only is this a good clean action movie, but it does a good job showing the resolve of our enemies, and thus the resolve with which we must face them. Just because a movie is violent doesn't mean you need to give low ratings
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Movie Man
adult
adult
Powerful, Violent Mystery-Thriller in Middle East.
This was a very good film. The performances were superb and the direction very well done. It can get confusing at times, but overall, the story seems fairly clear. The action sequences are rough but I have seen much more graphic violence elsewhere.
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Drummer1235
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
action movie with a soul
This movie is an incredibly paced action movie. However it goes well past the constraints of any shoot em up. The Kingdom is really an in-depth look at the middle east. It humanizes and villianizes both sides. It allows the viewer to draw their own conclusions. The language and violence are not a big issue for a mature 11 or 12 year old. Any younger and it wouldn't be worth it because they wouldn't understand. This movie will leave you thinking...
peace
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football41
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Great
This is a great movie. You should take them to go see it, as long as you let them hear cussing and they can handle depressing bloody action scenes.
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robots in disguise
adult
adult
I want to watch it again
As long as your ok with R rated violence (like Gladiator) and some language then watch this movie.
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tedgoodier
adult
adult
Uncomfortable Moments
I felt this movie was much better than reviewers gave it credit for. Perhaps it is too contemporary and based too closely on very realistic violent terror incidents to be comforatable watching as entertainment. One extended scene, based loosely upon the beheadings like those of Nick Berg and Daniel Pearl, had me crawling in my skin. Unrealistic and a bit overblown in it's plot, still very timely and worth watching.
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moviegoer19
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Very, very good!
This movie is really good, but really violent. In the first 10 minutes of the movie, it shows people (at close range) being shot and killed brutally. It continues during the movie. It may not be the best thing to show your 12-year-old, but I was able to watch it.
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waterdog
adult
adult
Good movie with a realistic ending
This was a very good movie the begining is very powerful and very realistic. I would have a different ending. The ending was effective and realistic. There was alot of shooting with very little of the characters getting wounded even thought the enemy had the high ground and more weapons, slightly unrealistic but it played. A very good movie, well worth the time spent watching it.
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prs113
adult
adult
Action At All Times
If you like action movies with contemporary themes, this is a great movie. Good story, decent acting, well worth renting, even though the violence isn't for everyone.
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JFN1234
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
I thought this movie was very powerful but some parts of the movie where bombs explode and show bodies being blown up. but over all it was a good movie.
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