Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slow-moving swashbuckler is better for teens and up.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Man in the Iron Mask
What's the Story?
Decades after the heyday of the Three Musketeers, the heroes have parted ways. Athos (John Malkovich) has raised a son, Raoul, to become a Musketeer himself; Artemis (Jeremy Irons) is a priest; Porthos (Gerard Depardieu) passes the time womanizing and drinking; and their old pal D'Artagnan (Gabriel Byrne) serves the cruel, selfish young King Louis XIV (Leonardo DiCaprio) ... and is secretly in love with the queen (Anne Parillaud). The king's fearsome rule has caused his subjects to riot -- so Artemis reunites the Musketeers to carry about a dangerous plan involving the mysterious prisoner known as the "man in the iron mask,." If they're successful, they could save the entire kingdom.
Is It Any Good?
It's great fun to see the aging Musketeers in action, and actors Irons, Depardieu, and Malkovich share a wonderful chemistry. But the movie never really focuses on them, and despite their strong charisma, they mostly emerge as supporting characters. The main draw is Leonardo DiCaprio, playing dual roles in his first film after Titanic.
Unfortunately, the younger viewers who want to see him will be disappointed by the movie's slow pace. Director Randall Wallace made his directorial debut here after writing Braveheart, and -- as with all of his other films (We Were Soldiers) -- THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK has a sense of dutiful propriety; it's like Wallace doesn't know how to have fun. The Man in the Iron Mask needed more of a jaunty twinkle, more wolfish grins, less thinking and more doing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the film's violence? How did it affect you? Is it exciting? Is it gory?
The king uses his power to order women to his bedchambers, while Porthos wins them over with his exuberant attitude. How does the movie depict sex overall? Is there an example of a good relationship in the movie?
When Philippe is released from prison, he shows no interest in vengeance. Is this the right thing to do? Is his behavior rewarded?
Is it better to rule through fear or kindness? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 13, 1998
- On DVD or streaming : August 12, 1998
- Cast : Gabriel Byrne , Jeremy Irons , John Malkovich , Leonardo DiCaprio
- Director : Randall Wallace
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 132 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of violence and some sensuality/nudity
- Last updated : November 1, 2022
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