Iffy for 16+
Intense, bloody look at Mid East violence.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this intense, bloody movie isn't for kids. There are explosions, shootings, hand-to-hand combat, torture, kidnapping, a careening car chase, explicit shots of bloody bodies and body parts, and more. The overall plot and themes are also mature -- terrorism, graphic crime investigation, children at risk and killed, etc. -- and the camerawork is especially chaotic (some viewers may be bothered by its pretty much nonstop movement). Language includes multiple uses of "f--k" (which offends the Saudi police chief) and other profanity.
- Families can talk about how violence is portrayed in this movie. Is it realistic or gratuitous? What message is the movie sending about the cycle of violence in the Middle East? Who "wins" in this movie? Families can also discuss how the U.S. FBI team members react to their new environment in Saudi Arabia. Are they respectful or arrogant? How do they get what they want, even when they're supposed to obey local restrictions?
What to watch for
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Violence: Opening montage shows archival news footage of war and terrorism (including a plane hitting the World Trade Center on 9/11). The early Riyadh attack scene includes explosions; shootings of men in uniforms, civilians, and children (a child watches a man get shot); bloody limbs, torsos, and faces; many bodies falling; and a suicide bomber exploding a grenade. Observers videotape the attack; the footage appears again in the film, and flashbacks show the attack several times. A forensics team examines the bomb crater, including body parts. Tense confrontation leads to a man slapping another. Retired bomb-maker talks about being haunted by "dead faces" and shows his hand, which is missing fingers. Roadside bomb explodes a car. Shoot-out leaves bloody bodies (shown in close-up). Chase scene features cars crashing and frenzied camerawork. Team member is kidnapped, dragged (leaving a bloody trail), tied up, tortured, and very bloody. Team's assault on the kidnappers' hideout involves lots of shooting, chaos, and noise (as well as children as witnesses), and the death of a key character.
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Sex: Brief reference to Janet's T-shirted figure, which Saudi hosts believe should be covered more completely (Ron says she must "dial down the boobies"). Brief kiss.
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Language: Language includes lots of uses of "f--k" (20+), plus "s--t," "bulls--t," "goddamn," "son of a bitch," "lucky bastard," and other phrases ("circle jerk," "you big queer").
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Consumerism: Images of or references to CNN, Larry King, Washington Post, Scrabble, L.L. Bean, Washington Wizards, Kobe Bryant, Rambo, the Hulk, Steve Austin (the Six Million Dollar Man), and The Pixies (band T-shirt).
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A few scenes of a character smoking cigarettes.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
The Kingdom is Exhilirating!!! by MamaMashie
The acting is gr8!! the plot moves at an exciting pace, I have not seen many movies w/ Jamie Foxx (he is a fantastic, as is everyone else) the last 20-30 mins had me excited, scared and on the edge of my seat.. Go Go Go!! I was going to see The Brave One, but got to the Theatre late so saw this instead, so glad I did!!!
3
The kingdom by thindi31
It does make one think when you see it but it is brutal in what happens. All of us left feeling shellshocked and traumatized. The story is interesting but the terror is very real and close. It is something that we understand really happens and maybe we need to see it up close and personal but I am not certain of that. Be ready to see lots of brutal violence and disturbing images. Feel fear for what happens to people in this situation. It does make you think of what terrorists are taught and that those we fight for freedom are not fit young men in an army but old and young alike with a steadfast belief in eliminating "infidels" with nothing that would stop them from trying.. not even their own lives or loved ones.
4
VERY COOL by seanh7375
I thought that this movie might be inappropriate for my children but it wasn?t it is very well but together I can?t wait until it comes out on DVD!!!
5
Riveting by The Roo
If you are concerned about the world we live in, you must see this film. You will be shocked, angered and relieved. The emotions run high and the violence is real and in your face. It's the world we live in today.
3
What is with this new filmiing technique? by twscolorado
My wife and I were enjoying the plot, but had to leave the movie with about 45-60 mins left. This new technique of bouncing cameras and fast-cut closeups (so you can see everyone's nosehairs), had out stomachs woozy. Does this stuff bother anyone else? We had the same problems with Bourne Ultimatum. Plot was great, acting was great, trying to watch it was a turn-off.
Be forewarned......
5
Racist movie by EbertnRoeper
Am I the only one that's shocked by the racist perception of this movie? The only way it's not that obvious is because they have a black man in the title role, just to fool us. All the arabs are depicted as retards!!! Not one single intelligent comment from an arab in the movie. They're all bad or depicted as limited, until they're helped by the american heroes... I hope you can all see that...it's really not helping tolerance and understanding in this world. By the way I only rated this movie Must Go because even if the reviews are by date posted, they only let the good ones in front..
4
Edge of your seat by luvthamovies
This movie, while it is a disturbing being reminded once again how vicious human beings can be to other human beings all for the sake of a religion, is a real nail biter in the last 30 to 45 minutes. It really keeps you on the edge of your seat toward the end. If you go see it, make sure, if you have to take a bathroom break, to do it in the first half of the movie. I thought Jamie Foxx was excellent as usual and was also very surprised by both Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman (of all people). I think, if you like this type of movie, it is a must-see.
5
Outstanding Film! by oldsoldier
I served in Riyadh for two years and witnessed the destruction and devastation of Kobar towers; so the images in the film hit hard and brought back many memories. The US has many interests in the Kingdom and compound life was nothing more than a glamorous prison. The Saudis have absolute contempt for US personnel and the movie portrayed this accurately. The comment about the Saudi gardener was accurate. The Saudis would never perform manual labor...never. The Saudis view Americans as hired help and reliant on what they provide us, an unfortunate truth. Go see this movie. It's entertaining, the acting was fantastic and well rounded between characters and despite the fact that the film could never be filmed in Saudi Arabia, it portrayed the Arab lifestyle accurately.
5
Best to see in a theater by Jared Butler
good action. nice comic relief. also, liked the stars playing these characters.
5
The Kingdom by sandjfromfl
Awesome movie, very insightful, shows real emotions and reveals some of the reasons for continuation of wars involving fanatics of any stripe