 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Memento
- Review Date: November 3, 2005
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2001
Common Sense Media says
Innovative movie with a mature premise.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie follows the efforts of a man to avenge the rape and murder of his wife. Throughout the film, Leonard is motivated solely by his desire to find and execute the man he believes killed his wife. Characters drink, smoke, steal, lie to one another, sell drugs and commit murders. This is not a film that most viewers will be able to absorb easily: The plot is relayed in a jumbled fashion, as Leonard suffers from short-term memory lost, and the audience primarily relies on him for information.
What's the story?
Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) wakes up one night to find his wife missing from their bed. When he goes looking for her, he interrupts a man in the process of sexually assaulting her in the bathroom. Leonard suffers a blow to the head which destroys his short-term memory. The last thing he remembers is his wife dying, and he is bent on revenge. Without a short-term memory to guide him, Leonard relies on Polaroids, notes and daily tattoos to assist him in closing in on his wife's killer.
Is it any good?
When first released in 2000, MEMENTO made quite a splash. The film's narrative is far from traditional, and the movie is definitely aimed at an audience with a high level of visual literacy. The story is relayed in fragments, echoing Leonard's experience of short-term memory loss. For many viewers, the film will be something of a head-scratcher, the kind of thing that bears a few repeat viewing and a lot of furrowed brows. Director Christopher Nolan's sparse style plays well here. The plot is complex enough on its own, and the film rests largely on the strong performances of the major characters.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the unorthodox storytelling. Did you find the different style here engaging -- or just confusing? Why don't more movies take risks like this one? Can you think other stories -- movies, books, etc. -- that unfold in non-linear ways?
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AGE
Memento
Memento is Guy Pierce's best performance so far in his career as he will stop at nothing to find the murderer who killed his wife. Great movie and acting.
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AGE
Mind-blowing, a completely fascinating and original movie.
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AGE
One of my favorites! Many twists & turns
This movie is only appropriate for adults, as it deals with murder, deception, drugs & sex. What I loved about this movie is that it is show backwards in short sequences, and it keeps twisting & turning. It keeps you on your toes & involvedin the movie. Watch it with a friend or spouse... I guarantee you'll be talking about it for days trying to decipher everything & give it your spin. Enjoy!
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AGE
Not for kids
*Extremely frequent and inappropriate language.
*Lots of violence.
*Very interesting plot/storyline...for adults, not kids/teens
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AGE
Brilliant movie
I think CSM have gone a little extreme on this review yes the plot is complex and the premise is mature but the content isnt anything a mature 14 year old wont have seen. The story focuses on a man who cant make new memories and is trying to find the man who raped and killed his wife. Its told backwards in short sequences. This keeps you on your toes and makes you feel the same way Leonard does. There is violence and blood but nothing too extreme a couple of people are shot. There is lots of swearing but any teen who goes to school hears that a lot. Finally there is refrences to the rape of a mans wife. Its seen in flashback. However the scene is very subtle you only hear whats going on making it all the more disturbing. Its a very short scene though so dont worry. Overall this film is fine for anyone over 15 or a mature 14 year old.
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AGE
excelent
A highly intelligent and original movie which deserves its R rating.
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| Studio: | Sony Pictures |
| Director: | Christopher Nolan |
| Cast: | Carrie-Anne Moss, Guy Pearce, Joe Pantoliano |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 116 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 16, 2001 |
| DVD release date: | April 2, 2002 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | violence, language, and some drug content. |
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