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Parents' Guide to

The Recruit

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Above-average thriller, but not very memorable.

Movie PG-13 2003 115 minutes
The Recruit Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Johnathon Smith
Johnathon Smith Adult
October 13, 2020
age 10+

cool movie

fascinating movie with lots of plot twists. very unpredictable

This title has:

Great messages
Too much violence
José Pedro
José Pedro Adult
July 30, 2011
age 14+

Fine Movie

The Recruit is not a memorable movie, like is said above. Is a good movie for those who like thrillers and action movies. However is a violent movie and deals with some subjects that might be confusing and strange for the kids. Has some messages related with the sexuality point but is not important. The movie has some strong language. But, in the end of the day, I can say that I liked it.

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When you lie all the time, how do you remember what is true? How do you remember to care? That is a theme of most spy movies, and it is right at the center of this twisty story about a grad student from MIT who is recruited for the CIA, put through a brutal training period, and then sent out to find someone on the inside who is working for the bad guys. Grizzled veteran Burke (Al Pacino), who has mastered the art of identifying the right candidates and enticing them to join up, even though there is no chance of money or recognition. He tells James Clayton (Colin Farrell), Layla Moore (Bridget Moynahan), and the other recruits that everything is a test; nothing is as it seems. At the CIA training facility, they learn not to believe anything or anyone and to lie without quickening their pulses or dilating their pupils. And they learn that nothing matters -- no feelings, no friendships -- except for completing the mission. The other students are told that Clayton was dropped, so that Burke can use him undercover to find which one of them is working for the other side. Is it Layla?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (2 ):

THE RECRUIT has some supple plot twists, but the story sags in the middle, there aren't any gee-whiz gadgets, and the preview gives too much away. It's an above-average thriller, but not especially memorable.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the classic conflict we confront when we allow the ends to justify the means. How do we create an organization of liars and keep them honest? Would you like to be a spy?

Movie Details

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