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Parents' Guide to

Memento

By Carly Kocurek, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Innovative thriller has a mature premise, edgy content.

Movie R 2001 116 minutes
Memento Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 15 parent reviews

ContentFlag
ContentFlag Adult
August 7, 2022
age 16+

Rated 16 (very strong language, infrequent strong violence, bloody images).

MAIN CONTENT ISSUES - There is use of strong language throughout ("f*ck"), as well as a single use of very strong language ("c*nt") said in an aggressive tone about another character. There is infrequent moments of strong violence, such as a prolonged scene of a character being choked to death, and a scene depicting a bloody shooting. Bloody/grisly images occur in the opening scene, which shows (in reverse order) a man being shot in the head, and blood and brain matter leaking down the walls. There is also sight of blood pooling around a man's head in the aftermath of violence. | OTHER ISSUES - There are other scenes of moderate violence, such as characters being hit over the head or having their head smashed into a mirror. There are discreet verbal and visual references to rape scattered throughout the film. There is one strong sex reference when a woman mentions another character might have "sucked one too many diseased c*cks", as well as other infrequent mild sex references. There is sight of drug use when a woman snorts cocaine in a bathroom. There are also some brief references to drugs and drug dealing. Mature thematic content throughout, as well as some upsetting moments, and sequences of threat. | RATED "16" - Suitable only for persons aged 16 years and over. Contains content not recommended for viewing by any person below the age of 16.
moviefan1980s
moviefan1980s Adult
July 28, 2018
age 16+

Christopher Nolan's first masterstroke that requires more than one viewing

"Memento" is a greatly original movie and the first masterstroke Christopher Nolan directed that should be viewed more than once, because it might get confusing on the first viewing. I'd have to say that this film is not for kids to watch, due to not only the R-rating, but also the very complex storyline.
See all 15 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) wakes up one night to find his wife missing from their bed. When he goes looking for her, he interrupts a man in the process of sexually assaulting her in the bathroom. Leonard suffers a blow to the head which destroys his short-term memory. The last thing he remembers is his wife dying, and he is bent on revenge. Without a short-term memory to guide him, Leonard relies on Polaroids, notes, and daily tattoos to assist him in closing in on his wife's killer.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (15 ):
Kids say (38 ):

When first released in 2000, MEMENTO made quite a splash; the film's narrative is far from traditional, and the movie is definitely aimed at an audience with a high level of visual literacy. The story is relayed in fragments, echoing Leonard's experience of short-term memory loss.

For many viewers, the film will be something of a head-scratcher, the kind of thing that bears a few repeat viewing and a lot of furrowed brows. Director Christopher Nolan's sparse style plays well here. The plot is complex enough on its own, and the film rests largely on the strong performances of the major characters.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Memento's unorthodox storytelling. Did you find the different style here engaging -- or just confusing?

  • Why don't more movies take risks like this one? Can you think other stories -- movies, books, etc. -- that unfold in non-linear ways?

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