Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent gangster biopic shows Vegas origins; language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bugsy
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BUGSY, real-life American gangster Ben "Bugsy" Siegel (Warren Beatty) spots a business opportunity in barren 1940s Las Vegas. But in order to succeed, he needs to balance his dangerous mob life with his personal life, including a passionate affair with movie star Virginia Hill (Annette Bening).
Is It Any Good?
This 1991 gangster biopic was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won two—both for how it looks. A worthy winner of the Best Costume Design and Best Set Decoration Oscars, Bugsy is at times a dazzling delight that makes the Hollywood glamour of 1940s Los Angeles shimmer on the screen. Beatty as Ben "Bugsy" Siegel is dashing and captivating when he's playing at being a movie actor. But when the "real" Bugsy—a violent, vain, intense, and murderous gangster—comes to the surface, the movie's dark and dangerous side is revealed. Steadily paced, despite its killings and double-crossings, Bugsy is never gripping but is always interesting, with its real-life story of how the likes of Siegel made Las Vegas. This is all elevated by the cast's excellent performances, including a captivating Bening as the object of Bugsy's desires.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Bugsy. Did the movie glorify violence and gangsters? Was it presented in a way that made it exciting, realistic, or something else? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Talk about the relationship between Bugsy and Virginia. Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
What do you think is the appeal of gangster movies? Do you think it's problematic? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 13, 1991
- On DVD or streaming : December 12, 2006
- Cast : Warren Beatty , Annette Bening , Harvey Keitel
- Director : Barry Levinson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : TriStar Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Run time : 136 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, language and sensuality
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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