I watched it at age 14, almost 15, and thought it was amazing. Sean Penn is one of the best actors in the industry and I look forward to seeing more of his films. I love Sean Penn. All the actors gave amazing performances. Too violent for kids under 14.
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Mystic River
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 16. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Powerful performances in graphic story. Only 16+.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 16–17
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Mystic River
Parents need to know that this movie has graphic violence, including murders. While some of the violence and the child molestation occur off-screen, the depictions are still deeply disturbing. Characters drink and smoke a great deal and use very strong language.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the way that even people who are not directly victims of tragic events can be as haunted by them as those who are.
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
Amazing Performances, Gripping Story
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
A Fantastic Movie
This is a fantastic movie it is one of my favorite. but it is also very violent not for kids under 14+
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
I wish I had not watched it.
Had I read CSM's review first I probably would not have gotten it. I got this movie with a free coupon to purchase a previously viewed DVD. The coupon had limited movie choices. I picked one I was unfamiliar with. Bad mistake. I kept hoping the movie would have some reedeming value. It did not. CSM's review is accurate. I wouldn't want any 'kids' under 99 watching this. Dark. Humorless. Unhappy ending. I can think of a ton of ways to discuss the issues in this movie with our kids than by watching this. A movie that too closly depicts the actual evil in this world. - Parent of two teens.
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
Intense Adult Content
Excellent movie: moving, gripping, powerful. Very important and intense social content. Not appropriate for teen viewing unless very mature and when accompanied by a responsible adult.
- I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it
Amazing movie, not for kids
This gritty, haunting movie is excellent, but is too intense for kids under 17
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Opposite of Kill Bill
Both Kill Bill and Mystic River deal with violence, but in very different ways. I think they are both amazing films, but it is interesting to see the exploitive blood spillage in Kill Bill and the few acts of violence in Mystic River contrast each other. Mystic River has one act of sexual violence that transcends generations and becomes part of a Boston neighborhood. The acts of violence in this film carry weight that is too much for these characters to carry in their hearts, and eventually their true colors are displayed. The metaphor for the River and the acts of human beings is strong and well displayed. The river runs always ahead, looking pretty much the same on the top. But under the surface are secrets, bodies, and murder weapons. Much as the way we see a normal Boston neighborhood, but under the surface characters show their weaknesses and strengths through acts of kindness, murder, and sorrow. Note: There can not be enough praise for Clint Eastwood in this film. He strips the story down to its bare essentials, and lets the actors dominate the screen. Every actor in this film is at the top of their game. This is Sean Penn's greatest performance.
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