The Ninth Gate
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
The Ninth Gate
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 suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Ninth Gate is a mystery thriller that leans heavily into a film noir style and has violence, suicide, sex, nudity, and strong language. It centers around a book dealer, Dean Corso (Johnny Depp), who is hired by a collector (Frank Langella) to hunt for some text written in collaboration with the devil himself. Characters are shot, physically fight, and one takes their own life by hanging. Corso regularly drinks spirits and smokes cigarettes. There are scenes involving nudity and sex is portrayed on-screen. Strong language includes "f--k" and "s--t." Characters are greedy and driven by money and power, with few redeeming features. Fans of controversial director Roman Polanski's work may enjoy the noirish settings and labyrinthine plot. But at over two hours, others may find it laborious in places. Suitable for adults and older teens.
What's the Story?
In THE NINTH GATE, rare book dealer Dean Corso (Johnny Depp) is hired by collector Boris Balkan (Frank Langella) to find the last two copies of an occult text said to be written with the devil. Traveling to Europe, Dean is pulled into a dangerous web of mystery and deceit, discovering there are others who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the book's legendary power.
Is It Any Good?
Unfolding over more than two laborious hours, this occult mystery is a puzzle that never quite feels complete. Depp's Dean Corso seems at once generic and elusive, stumbling from set piece to set piece as The Ninth Gate's plot takes predictable twists and turns until it wanders into oblivion.
Though widely controversial in his personal life, director Roman Polanski is known for his atmospheric thrillers, and The Ninth Gate is certainly a moody piece, thick with the secrets of the past and an otherworldly aura. There's no denying the film looks and "feels" great. But following in the footsteps of the director's hit satanic thriller Rosemary's Baby, this is full of promise that the story never quite lives up to.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Ninth Gate. What impact did it have? What consequences were there? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Most characters were portrayed as greedy and selfish. Can you think of any moments when they showed positive attributes?
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How was sex portrayed? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
The film involves two industry figures -- Roman Polanski and Johnny Depp -- who have been at the center of controversial legal cases. How do you feel about separating an artist and their real-life controversy from their work?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 10, 2000
- On DVD or streaming: July 18, 2000
- Cast: Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, Emmanuelle Seigner
- Director: Roman Polanski
- Studio: Artisan Entertainment
- Genre: Thriller
- Run time: 133 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: some violence and sexuality
- Last updated: December 22, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Rosemary's Baby
Keep children away from this scary classic.
-
The Rum Diary
Hazy, rum-soaked cult classic in the making for adults only.
-
Chinatown
Great hardboiled detective film is very violent.
For kids who love thrillers
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