Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Epic but brutal Western has nudity, sexual violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Heaven's Gate
What's the Story?
Set in Wyoming in 1890, HEAVEN'S GATE finds a local association, led by Frank Canton (Sam Waterston), intent on hiring mercenaries to murder innocent European immigrants who have settled in the area. Canton's actions are effectively a declaration of war. But the Sheriff of Johnson County, James Averill (Kris Kristofferson) promises to help the settlers as best he can, while in the meantime getting caught up in a complex love triangle with Ella Watson (Isabelle Huppert) and friend Nate Champion (Christopher Walken).
Is It Any Good?
Heaven's Gate is a sprawling and slow-burning Western, of epic-scale, that requires your full attention across its three and a half hour runtime, yet succeeds in rewarding the patient viewer. The movie, which encountered a myriad of problems during its production, was considered a major flop upon release, but has a reputation that has grown increasingly more respectable over time, and it's clear to see why.
Director Michael Cimino's tale is pointedly relevant, as much so now as it ever has been when taking the global refugee crisis into account. The performances elevate the material and ensure the viewer remains absorbed, although it can at times feel like hard work. But thanks to the likes of Kristofferson, Walken, and a brilliant Huppert, audiences are persuaded to remain on board as the movie reaches a dramatic finale that ensures the first three hours were worth sitting through.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the extreme violence in Heaven's Gate. Why do you think the filmmaker chose to show this much violence? What effect does it have? What message does it convey? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
The movie tackles prejudice and immigration. How did you feel about how the immigrants in the movie were treated? How are these themes still relevant today? What can we do today to help people that are displaced from their homes?
The filmmakers have been accused of animal cruelty during the making of the movie. How did you feel about seeing animals being treated badly in the film? Why is it important to protect animals during the making of movies?
Talk about the nudity in the movie. Was it handled sensitively or gratuitously? When, if ever, is it OK to show nude people?
Discuss the three and a half hour long runtime. Did you find it too long or did you enjoy the experience? How did this movie compare with other Westerns you may have seen?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 19, 1980
- On DVD or streaming : February 29, 2000
- Cast : Kris Kristofferson , Christopher Walken , Isabelle Huppert
- Director : Michael Cimino
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : United Artists
- Genre : Western
- Topics : History , Animals
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 219 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 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