Tools for this page
Print

The Mambo Kings

  • 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 17; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Cuban brothers bring dazzling music to NYC.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–17

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The movie stays true to the Latin-American "macho" culture of the 1950s. The honorable heroes make a sincere effort to keep their distance from gangsters who have a chokehold on the New York nightclubs. Women are seen as little more than objects of desire in most instances.

  • Violence:

    Man is attacked with knife, his throat is cut; he's bloodied but survives. Girl punches obnoxious customer. Shooting, knifing in a nightclub. Deadly car accident.

  • Sex:

    Several scenes of passionate lovemaking with total nudity; one scene with partial nudity.

  • Language:

    Minor cursing on a few occasions: "son-of-a-bitch," "ass," "whore," "hell."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Smoking and drinking throughout; lead character is drunk in a number of scenes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Mambo Kings

Parents need to know that there are several scenes of explicit sexuality with total nudity, and other incidents with partial nudity. Characters smoke and drink throughout, with one character drinking to excess on a number of occasions. One volatile brother is the victim of a knife-wielding villain who, in a close shot, cuts his throat and leaves him for dead. Other violent moments include a nightclub shooting and a fatal car accident.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the Castillo brothers' lack of communication and/or miscommunication hurt their relationship. How did the movie's music reflect the character of the brothers?

    The filmmakers carefully created a certain look for this movie. How did the use of bright colors, vivid lighting, and authentic 1950s sets help them evoke a sense of time, place, and character?

Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Mambo Kings?

  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Advice for Parents

    How to Upload a Video to YouTube

    How to Upload a Video to YouTube

    Video creativity is easier than you think.

  • Must See TV

    Age 10+
    Dancing with the Stars

    Dancing with the Stars

    High-kicking series has cross-generational appeal.

  • Pick of the Week

    Spook-tacular Books

    Spook-tacular Books

    Fun Halloween picture books for young kids.

  • Download This

    Age 10+
    The Time of Our Lives

    The Time of Our Lives

    Walmart-exclusive mini-CD is edgy but kid-friendly.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.