The Insider

Movie review by Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
The Insider Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Fascinating whistleblower story for older teens.

R 1999 157 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 11+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 3 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

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.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this movie has tense scenes, strong language, smoking, and some drinking.

Community Reviews

Eric-C.
Eric-C. Adult
October 21, 2022
age 12+

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Too much swearing
rrdawson14
rrdawson14 Adult
April 2, 2022
age 9+

Incredible!

My nine year old watched this earlier today, and said he was just the right age for it. It was a beautiful film, and the only thing to worry about is the idea of death threats in the film.

This title has:

Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In THE INSIDER, Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe), a research scientist for a tobacco company, tells 60 Minutes that the company is more aware of the addictive properties of nicotine than its executives claimed and in fact manipulated the delivery of nicotine. Show producer Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino) promises to protect him. But executives cut Wigand's portion from the broadcast because they're worried about a lawsuit by the tobacco company. Wigand and Bergman are caught in parallel moral dilemmas. Both are loyal to their organizations until they witness what they perceive as acts of corruption. Both respond by making their stories public, resulting in struggle and sacrifice. The question is not one of disloyalty, but of conflicting loyalties. Wigand knows that telling the truth will hurt him and his family more than it hurts the tobacco company.

Is It Any Good?

Director/co-screenwriter Michael Mann very skillfully makes every shot and every note of the soundtrack help shape the story so that the viewer sees Bergman's perspective. (One hint: the Bergman character is unerringly fair and honest.) Families should be sure to discuss the point of view of the movie, and how it would differ if it was told from Wigand's, Wallace's, or the tobacco company's point of view.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the point of view of the movie. Director/co-screenwriter Michael Mann very skillfully makes every shot and every note of the soundtrack help shape the story so that the viewer sees Bergman's perspective. (One hint: the Bergman character is unerringly fair and honest.) Families could also discuss how the movie would be different if it was told from Wigand's, Wallace's, or the tobacco company's point of view.

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

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