Common Sense Media Review
Smart and entertaining, but also very violent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Batman Begins
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 43 parent reviews
Based on 244 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is an excellent origin story for the iconic hero, praised for its gripping storytelling, strong performances, and a darker, more realistic tone compared to other superhero films. While it's recommended for older kids and teens due to its intense themes, violence, and some frightening imagery, many agree it serves as a great introduction to the superhero genre and highlights complex moral themes, especially regarding justice and corruption.
- dark themes
- strong performances
- intense violence
- recommended for teens
- complex moral messages
- gripping storytelling
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In BATMAN BEGINS, traumatized by the murder of his parents when he was a child, Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) loses his way. When tempted to assassinate the man responsible, Bruce instead watches as someone else guns down his parents' killer. Wayne then disappears for several years. When others try to recruit Wayne to join them in destroying Gotham City, in order to destroy its evil, Wayne instead returns to fight for her and rid her of the evil within. He enlists the help of butler Alfred (Michael Caine) and Wayne Enterprises gadgets-maker Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) in order to create the "image" of Batman. Intended to intimidate villains, the new hero wears an elaborate Bat-costume and drives a frankly awesome Batmobile, a futuristic all-terrain military vehicle painted bat-black and capable of all manner of vehicular acrobatics.
Is It Any Good?
A meditation on the different motivations for violence, this is smart and entertaining, with some harsh action scenes. Bruce is full of grit and fury in Batman Begins, a well as grim arrogance and a sense of comedy.
Self-righteous, flagrantly emotional as well as coldly rational, Batman's sense of mission aligns him with last good cop Lt. Gordon (Gary Oldman). It also means his methods aren't always so distinct from the criminals', but he is effective, as deterrent and as what Gordon calls "escalation." Both villains and Batman can only do more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Bruce Wayne's relationships with various father figures in Batman Begins, including his biological father (who is murdered), his martial arts trainer, his butler, and his gadgets-maker.
What's the difference between vengeance and justice as the film presents it? Do you agree?
How does Bruce put his anger to use for the "public good"? How does the film differentiate between "good" and "bad" uses of violence?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 15, 2005
- On DVD or streaming : October 18, 2005
- Cast : Christian Bale , Katie Holmes , Morgan Freeman
- Director : Christopher Nolan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 141 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense action violence, disturbing images and some thematic elements.
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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