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La Femme Nikita (R, 1991)

common sense media says

Beware Nikita. Not for kids.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film is about a trained government assassin. As such, it includes several assassinations, close-range shootings, fights, and other violence. The film also includes two relationships: One is the problematic relationship between Nikita and her trainer Bob, the other is a sweet romance between Nikita and Marco. The film raises troubling questions about the ethics of governmental agencies.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Several shootings and murders. Nikita stabs one of her captors in the hand with an ink pen.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Swearing occurs throughout the film.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on La Femme Nikita

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the gender implications of Nikita's character. According to her training, being graceful and pretty is considered integral to her new role as an assassin. Why would this be the case with a female assassin versus a male one? What aspects of the romantic tension between Nikita and Bob might seem problematic? Nikita's relationship with Marco ultimately enables her to escape her duties to the state. How might this contradict the independent nature of her character?

What's the story?

What's the story?

After Nikita (Anne Paurillard) kills a police officer while committing a robbery with some drug-addicted friends, the government trains her as an assassin. She spends two years with mentor Bob (Tcheky Karyo) at a school for special operatives. Released into the outside world, Nikita meets and falls in love with Marco (Jean-Hugues Anglade), a grocery store clerk. Just when her life seems to come together, she gets a call that could threaten everything.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Director Luc Besson crafts a visually rich environment, utilizing a brooding, noir-ish aesthetic. Anne Paurillard's portrayal of a career-criminal turned special agent is inspired, and the tension between Bob and Nikita is intoxicating. However, that a character as fierce and beautiful as Nikita is "saved" by a fairly traditional romantic plotline seems more than a bit of a letdown. Sum total, though, there are few action films that are as well crafted as LA FEMME NIKITA (not to mention that feature a strong female lead). Despite its high production values, parents should know that due to the amount of sex and violence included in the film, this movie is inappropriate for children under seventeen. (in French with English subtitles)

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: MGM/UA
Director: Luc Besson
Cast: Anne Parillaud, Marc Duret, Patrick Fontana
Genre: Drama
Run time: 117 minutes
Theatrical release: March 8, 1991
DVD release: September 7, 2004
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: Restricted
This review was written by Carly Kocurek
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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