Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slick Bollywood action thriller has bloody violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
War
What's the Story?
In WAR, after a failed mission, elite Indian special forces agent Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) goes rogue. In response, rookie agent Khalid (Tiger Shroff) is set on a violent globetrotting mission to track down his former mentor.
Is It Any Good?
Violently smashing together the most iconic elements of '80s and '90s Hollywood with Hong Kong action cinema and repackaging with modern effects and audience expectations, War is a tour de force. Presented -- where available -- in stunning 4K, the camera loves stars Roshan and Shroff, perhaps as much as they love each other, as suggested by the distinct, yet unsaid, homoerotic undertones. Their smouldering performances are exactly what this kind of big, brash, and bombastic movie needs. The violence is suitably bone-crunching and thrilling, mixing the frenetic action of John Woo's explosive Hong Kong crime movies with the best of James Bond, with white-knuckle action taking place in exotic locations across the world. The film's score is also a highlight, raising a smile whenever the gigantic main theme tune kicks in.
Like the gung-ho Hollywood movies that inspired War, the movie's politics can be seen as questionable depending on the viewer's take on patriotism and a take-no-prisoners approach to national security. However, it balances it out slightly with the inclusion of love interest Naina (Vaani Kapoor) who offers a glimpse at a love beyond one's country. Punctuated by a couple of glossy musical numbers, War is a great-looking movie that throws just enough inventiveness into its big theatrical action pieces to make it a successful mission.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in War. How did it make you feel? Did it feel necessary to the story? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others?
How is patriotism displayed in the movie? Should people love their country above all else? What are the positives and negatives of patriotism?
Talk about the relationship between Kabir and Khalid. How is Kabir a mentor to Khalid? Do you have a mentor? What is the benefit of having one? Do you think there is anything more to Kabir and Khalid's relationship?
Discuss how music and dancing is an integral part to Bollywood movies. Does it add or detract to the entertainment?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 2, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : November 28, 2019
- Cast : Hrithik Roshan , Tiger Shroff , Vaani Kapoor
- Director : Siddharth Anand
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Yash Raj Films
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 154 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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