Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Parents say
Based on 66 reviews
Kids say
Based on 237 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a swashbuckling pirate adventure based on the famous Disney ride that stars Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley, and Orlando Bloom. The movie is not especially graphic but does feature things like an undead pirate crew that may be disturbing to some kids. There are revealing bodices and mild sexual references (not explicit and showing no nudity or sexual situations). Swearing includes "bastard," "damn," and "hell," plus colorful pirate language. Characters drink rum and get tipsy.
Community Reviews
Its AMAZING
Report this review
by far the best Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom movie!
Report this review
What's the Story?
In PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), daughter of a governor (Jonathan Pryce), is fascinated by pirates. On their voyage to Port Royal, Jamaica, from England, Elizabeth helped rescue a boy named Will Turner. While he was unconscious, she took his gold medallion. Now grown up, Elizabeth is still wearing the token and is loved both by Commodore Norrington (Jack Davenport) and Will (Orlando Bloom). When the dreaded pirates of the Black Pearl, led by Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), sack the town, Elizabeth offers them the medallion if they'll leave. They take it, and take her, too. Turner pursues in hopes of rescuing her, aided by the notorious Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), with Norrington and his men right behind them. It turns out that the medallion is the last of the cursed pieces of gold that turned Barbossa and his crew into the walking dead, always hungry and thirsty but unable to eat or drink. By restoring the gold to its chest -- with the right person's blood -- the curse will be removed. There are advantages, though, in being a pirate who can't be killed.
Is It Any Good?
Just like the theme park ride that inspired it, this movie's greatest strengths are its atmosphere and art direction. The production design of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl skillfully incorporates elements of classic book illustrations with popular pirate themes and seems to get the essence of every detail right, from the curve of the sail to a pirate's pet monkey. The film's action sequences are energetic and entertaining. The script has some creepy twists and saucy lines to keep audiences well entertained.
The film also escapes the terrible pirate curse. Not the curse about pieces of gold that turn people into the walking undead, but the one about pirate movies, a genre better known for overacting and overblown budgets that empty movie studios' bank accounts faster than real-life pirates robbed their victims. Although this movie's origins as a Disneyland ride didn't seem promising, the film ends up being surprisingly enjoyable. There's enough swashbuckling, rope-swinging double-crossing (and colorful sidekicks) to keep you entertained, if that all sounds like fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about rules and guidelines. What were the consequences of the promises made -- and broken -- in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl?
Does the film encourage you to find out more about pirate history? Where do they come from, and what form do pirates take today?
Although a work of fiction, the movie takes place in a historical context. What do you know about the history of the Caribbean, or about Jamaica?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 9, 2003
- On DVD or streaming: December 2, 2003
- Cast: Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom
- Director: Gore Verbinski
- Studio: Buena Vista
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires, Pirates
- Run time: 135 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: action/adventure violence
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Action-packed sequel has lots of violence, scary moments.
-
The Princess Bride
Witty, winsome fairy tale for the whole family.
-
Peter Pan (2003)
Charming live-action tale has intense peril, some violence.
For kids who love adventures
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate