Reservoir Dogs (1992) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A botched robbery indicates a police informant, and the pressure mounts in the aftermath at a warehouse. Crime begets violence as the survivors -- veteran Mr. White, newcomer Mr. Orange, psychopathic parolee Mr. Blonde, bickering weasel Mr. Pink and Nice Guy Eddie -- unravel.
Rated R • 1992 • 1h 39m
Reservoir Dogs earns its R rating primarily for pervasive, brutal violence and nonstop strong profanity. The plot follows a group of criminals regrouping in a warehouse after a botched heist, with tension escalating as they suspect a traitor. Parents should be aware of numerous bloody shootouts, a prolonged and infamous torture scene where Mr. Blonde cuts off a captive policeman's ear, and a relentless stream of profanity, including… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Reservoir Dogs appropriate for kids?
Reservoir Dogs earns its R rating primarily for pervasive, brutal violence and nonstop strong profanity. The plot follows a group of criminals regrouping in a warehouse after a botched heist, with tension escalating as they suspect a traitor. Parents should be aware of numerous… Read more — free account
Content severity in Reservoir Dogs
What happens in Reservoir Dogs, moment by moment
- 0:04 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:08 💬 Language 9/10
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
Sex and nudity in Reservoir Dogs
The film contains no nudity or sexual activity. The opening scene features a prolonged, crude discussion among the men about the meaning of Madonna's song 'Like a Virgin,' with some explicit language. Other than this conversation, sexual content is absent.
Violence and gore in Reservoir Dogs
Violence is strong, frequent, and often bloody. The central character, Mr. Orange, is shown bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound for most of the film. The most infamous scene involves Mr. Blonde psychologically and physically torturing a captured policeman, slashing his face and cutting off his ear with a razor (the cutting itself happens off-camera, but the aftermath is shown). The film contains several intense shootouts with bloody impacts and aftermath, culminating in a graphic multi-person standoff where…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Reservoir Dogs
Language is extremely profane and pervasive. The dialogue is saturated with profanity, with IMDb counting nearly 270 uses of 'f--k' and its derivatives. The script also includes frequent use of 'sh-t,' numerous racial slurs (including the 'n-word'), and homophobic slurs. The sheer volume and intensity of the profanity are a major reason for the R rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Reservoir Dogs
Substance use is present but not a central focus. Most of the main characters smoke cigarettes frequently throughout the film, particularly in the warehouse scenes. Some characters are also shown drinking alcohol. A flashback sequence involves an undercover officer preparing for a fake drug deal, discussing narcotics in detail.
Mature themes in Reservoir Dogs
The film is built on intense themes of betrayal, paranoia, and shifting loyalties within a criminal organization. The central mystery of the informant's identity creates a constant, high-stakes sense of distrust. The film also explores themes of professional ethics (even among thieves) and the graphic consequences of violence. The slow, painful impending death of a main character is a sustained element of the plot, creating a grim and tense atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reservoir Dogs appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Reservoir Dogs is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Reservoir Dogs earns its R rating primarily for pervasive, brutal violence and nonstop strong profanity. The plot follows a group of criminals regrouping in a warehouse after a botched heist, with tension escalating as…
What age rating does Reservoir Dogs have?
Reservoir Dogs is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Reservoir Dogs about?
Reservoir Dogs earns its R rating primarily for pervasive, brutal violence and nonstop strong profanity. The plot follows a group of criminals regrouping in a warehouse after a botched heist, with tension escalating as they suspect a traitor. Parents should be aware of numerous bloody shootouts, a prolonged and…
Is there sex or nudity in Reservoir Dogs?
The film contains no nudity or sexual activity. The opening scene features a prolonged, crude discussion among the men about the meaning of Madonna's song 'Like a Virgin,' with some explicit language. Other than this conversation, sexual content is absent.
How violent is Reservoir Dogs?
Violence is strong, frequent, and often bloody. The central character, Mr. Orange, is shown bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound for most of the film. The most infamous scene involves Mr. Blonde psychologically and physically torturing a captured…
Is the language in Reservoir Dogs appropriate for kids?
Language is extremely profane and pervasive. The dialogue is saturated with profanity, with IMDb counting nearly 270 uses of 'f--k' and its derivatives. The script also includes frequent use of 'sh-t,' numerous racial slurs (including the 'n-word'), and…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Reservoir Dogs?
Substance use is present but not a central focus. Most of the main characters smoke cigarettes frequently throughout the film, particularly in the warehouse scenes. Some characters are also shown drinking alcohol. A flashback sequence involves an undercover…
What mature themes appear in Reservoir Dogs?
The film is built on intense themes of betrayal, paranoia, and shifting loyalties within a criminal organization. The central mystery of the informant's identity creates a constant, high-stakes sense of distrust. The film also explores themes of professional…
How long is Reservoir Dogs?
Reservoir Dogs runs 99 minutes, directed by Quentin Tarantino, released in 1992.
Where can I read the full Reservoir Dogs parent guide?
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