Common Sense Media Review
Excellent but very violent depiction of a risky rescue.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Black Hawk Down
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Parents say this film presents an intense portrayal of war, featuring chaotic and graphic violence that reflects the brutality of combat, making it suitable primarily for mature audiences. While some viewers appreciate the strong messages of bravery and selflessness, others express concerns over character development and excessive foul language, noting that the film may lack emotional depth.
- intense portrayal
- graphic violence
- strong messages
- character development
- mature audiences
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 46 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a powerful depiction of modern warfare, showcasing brotherhood and bravery amidst intense violence and graphic scenes that may not be suitable for younger viewers. While some find it to be one of the best war movies, others emphasize the need for maturity due to its gory content and strong language.
- intense violence
- graphic content
- mature audience
- powerful messaging
- brotherhood theme
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In the early 1990s a humanitarian crisis in the country of Somalia brought international attention to the region. On October 3, 1993 the United States military sent approximately 120 members of US Special Forces to capture the warlord General Aidid or any of his top lieutenants. This supposedly quick operation turned into a two-day frantic mission and withdrawal. BLACK HAWK DOWN depicts the costly rescue attempt by US Rangers and Delta Operators sent to retrieve men trapped when their black hawk helicopters were downed. Trapped in a Somali war-zone, the soldiers struggle to regroup, save their wounded, and avoid the sights of a frenzied and armed militia. Through hostile fire, already injured men re-enter the war-zone in a valiant attempt to "leave no man behind."
Is It Any Good?
Directed by Ridley Scott (Alien, Thelma and Louise, Gladiator), BLACK HAWK DOWN is a fast-paced trip through blood and guts. Scott's desire for realism comes through in the film's connections to the real US Rangers. Many of the pilots used in the film participated in the actual 1993 conflict. The film does a fine job of creating viewer sympathy for its characters.
Although the action scenes truly serve as the leading lady, the film uses recognizable celebrities to create identification with their characters. Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Sizemore provide known faces to a few men caught in the chaos. The film was rewarded for its dramatic battle scenes with Academy Awards for Best Sound and Best Editing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about issues regarding life, death, war, and honor. Why did the soldiers return to the ground to continue fighting? Do you think it was right to send soldiers there in the first place? How may this conflict relate to ones in the present? Parents may also want to discuss this film's historical accuracy by comparing it against a documentary that covers the same events.
How is this similar to and different from other war movies, past and present?
How did the movie attempt to provide context for the tremendous problems in Somalia, and how the United Nations and the U.S. military attempted to address the situation?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : June 11, 2002
- Cast : Ewan McGregor , Josh Hartnett , Tom Sizemore
- Director : Ridley Scott
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 144 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense, realistic, graphic war violence, and for language
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
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