Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bale's final Batman is as gritty and dark as the first two.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
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The Dark Knight Rises
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 44 parent reviews
Parents say the film serves as a thrilling conclusion to the Batman trilogy, praised for its strong cast, compelling story, and impressive visual effects, though it is marked by intense violence and dark themes that make it unsuitable for younger audiences. Many reviewers suggest that while adults and older teens may appreciate its complexity and action, caution should be taken before allowing children to watch, given its graphic scenes and mature content.
- intense violence
- not for kids
- strong cast
- thrilling conclusion
- mature themes
- parental caution
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 251 kid reviews
Kids say the final installment of the trilogy presents a dark and intense story marked by heavy violence, including neck and back breaking sequences and numerous shootings, which some feel may be too much for younger viewers. While Tom Hardy's portrayal of Bane is noted to be imposing, many agree that the movie is still more kid-friendly compared to its predecessor, with parental guidance recommended for its violent and suggestive content.
- dark themes
- intense violence
- character complexity
- kid-friendly moments
- parental guidance
- epic conclusion
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES picks up eight years after the Joker's rampage on Gotham led to Harvey Dent's (Aaron Eckhart) horrific death and Batman's sacrificial transformation from hero to outlaw. Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has remained hidden in seclusion, leaving Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) to handle the affairs of Wayne Industries. The citizens of Gotham live in complacent security until Bane (Tom Hardy), a ruthless mercenary, arrives with a murderous agenda that threatens the very existence of Wayne's beloved city. With the help of a nearly demoralized Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), rookie cop John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and cunning jewel thief Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Anne Hathaway), an out-of-shape Bruce resurrects Batman for one more battle against evil.
Is It Any Good?
With their Batman trilogy, Nolan and Bale have revolutionized superhero films from colorful action adventures that even young kids can appreciate to serious meditations on justice and power. The franchise's loyal fans won't be disappointed with this immensely satisfying conclusion to Nolan's epic trilogy. Injured and relatively out of shape, Batman is physically no match for the huge and menacing Bane. With his Hannibal Lecter-meets-Darth Vader mask and his overpowering physique, Hardy is completely disguised as the amoral assassin, but even rendered unrecognizable, the acclaimed British actor gives a masterful performance in villainy.
Bale's always thoughtfully nuanced portrayal is complemented by the addition of two breakout performances: Gordon-Levitt -- whose character is an ordinary cop with an extraordinary bravery that's pivotal to the story -- and Hathaway, whose Selina Kyle steals the show with her whip-smart humor and crackling chemistry with Batman. The banter between Bale and Hathaway (who seems to be having a ball in full vixen mode) provides much-needed relief from the story's otherwise overpoweringly grim nature. Visually stunning, incredibly acted, and unyieldingly intense, The Dark Knight Rises is one of the rare movies for which the huge budget, super-sized runtime (almost three hours), and undying ardor of fans are well deserved.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the amount of violence in The Dark Knight Rises. How does it compare to what you've seen in other superhero movies? How does the film differentiate between "good" and "bad" uses of violence?
What distinguishes Batman from Bane? Both are angry and rely on violence to accomplish their goals; why is one a hero and one a villain? Is the rule of law more important than the rule of force?
Bruce Wayne isn't the only orphan in the movie. How does orphanhood shape the three orphaned characters? While anger motivates each of them, why do some choose to do good and others evil?
What does it take to maintain order in the face of those who try to create chaos? Does keeping the public safe from harm justifying curtailing their right to privacy?
Would you like to see the story continue with a successor? Which of the trilogy is your favorite?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 20, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : December 4, 2012
- Cast : Christian Bale , Liam Neeson , Tom Hardy
- Director : Christopher Nolan
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 164 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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