Reservoir Dogs

Movie review by David Gurney, Common Sense Media
Reservoir Dogs Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 18+

Raw and bloody. For adults.

R 1992 100 minutes
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 31 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 72 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is a film that focuses on a group of jewel thieves in the aftermath of a botched robbery. The dialogue features a constant stream of obscenities as the characters verbally spar with each other. Copious amounts of blood are featured throughout the entire film as a character is shown bleeding to death. Another character is tortured by being tied to a chair, having his ear cut off with a knife, and having gasoline poured over him with the intention of setting him on fire. The final shootout among the thieves is tense, emotional, and bloody.

Community Reviews

227770
227770 Adult
January 5, 2023
age 13+

Fun debut from Tarantino

Great use of dialogue, memorable characters, dark moments, make this fun to watch. It can be pretty violent especially with a “certain”someone’s ear.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Fabiana V.
Fabiana V. Adult
January 1, 2023
age 18+

This movie is racist.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 31 parent reviews

What's the Story?

RESERVOIR DOGS is the film that put Quentin Tarantino into the cinematic spotlight. Not only did he write and direct the film, but he is also featured in the role of Mr. Brown, one of a seven-member group of jewel thieves. His trademarks of amplified violence and vulgar dialogue are in full force, as are the flurry of obscure to not-so-obscure pop culture references woven into the dialogue. Cleverly, and famously, the heist is never actually shown, and in truth, the crime itself is not the point. The presence of an undercover cop amongst the thieves exists as the dramatic crux of the film.

Is It Any Good?

Resevoir Dogs ranks as one of the finest, and most gut-wrenching, crime dramas ever, but is certainly not for the faint of heart. Even at this early stage in his career, Tarantino does expertly builds tension, interweaving scenes of the aftermath of the thieves' foiled heist with scenes depicting them getting ready for the heist.

The film also features great performances from a knockout cast including Steve Buscemi, Harvey Keitel, and Tim Roth.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence and language here. Would the story have been as powerful if it had been less explicit? Do you think the mature material makes it more appealing to younger audiences?

Movie Details

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