The Jackal (1997) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Hired by a powerful member of the Russian mafia to avenge an FBI sting that left his brother dead, a psychopathic hitman known only as The Jackal proves an elusive target for the people charged with the task of bringing him down: a deputy FBI director, a Russian MVK Major, and a jailed IRA terrorist who can recognize him.
Rated R • 1997 • 2h 4m
This political thriller earns its R rating primarily due to strong, bloody violence and frequent language. The assassin, known as The Jackal, is a cold-blooded professional who kills numerous people without remorse, including a scene where he graphically blows a man's arm off with a high-powered weapon. Multiple other characters are shot and killed, sometimes at close range. The film also contains frequent use of strong profanity… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Jackal appropriate for kids?
This political thriller earns its R rating primarily due to strong, bloody violence and frequent language. The assassin, known as The Jackal, is a cold-blooded professional who kills numerous people without remorse, including a scene where he graphically blows a man's arm off… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Jackal
What happens in The Jackal, moment by moment
- 0:03 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:11 💬 Language 7/10
- 0:34 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
Sex and nudity in The Jackal
There is a brief scene in which the Jackal, as part of his disguise and manipulation, visits a gay bar. He is shown kissing another man on the lips before leaving with him. This is not depicted explicitly or erotically and is part of the character's cold-blooded methods to establish a cover.
Violence and gore in The Jackal
Violence is frequent, strong, and at times graphic and bloody. The film opens with a violent raid where characters are shot. The Jackal kills multiple people throughout the film; one man is shot in the head, another is killed with a chemical spray, and another is shot in his home. The most graphic scene involves the Jackal testing his weapon on a man, causing his arm to be blown off on-screen in a very bloody and shocking moment before he is killed. The finale includes a protracted chase, a large explosion, and a…
Read more — free accountLanguage in The Jackal
Language is strong and used frequently throughout the film. The word "f--k" is used over 25 times, along with multiple uses of "s--t," "asshole," "bitch," and other profanity.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Jackal
Characters drink alcohol in several scenes, including in bars, at social gatherings, and at home. The Jackal is seen drinking wine and other alcoholic beverages. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.
Mature themes in The Jackal
The film's themes are mature, focusing on political assassination, terrorism, and revenge. The lead assassin is a sociopath who feels no emotion or remorse for his actions. A significant backstory element involves a main character's former lover, Isabella, having suffered a miscarriage after being shot by the Jackal, a traumatic event that fuels the revenge plot. The moral ambiguity of law enforcement using a convicted terrorist (Declan Mulqueen) to hunt another killer is a central theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Jackal appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Jackal is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. This political thriller earns its R rating primarily due to strong, bloody violence and frequent language. The assassin, known as The Jackal, is a cold-blooded professional who kills numerous people without remorse…
What age rating does The Jackal have?
The Jackal is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Jackal about?
This political thriller earns its R rating primarily due to strong, bloody violence and frequent language. The assassin, known as The Jackal, is a cold-blooded professional who kills numerous people without remorse, including a scene where he graphically blows a man's arm off with a high-powered weapon. Multiple other…
Is there sex or nudity in The Jackal?
There is a brief scene in which the Jackal, as part of his disguise and manipulation, visits a gay bar. He is shown kissing another man on the lips before leaving with him. This is not depicted explicitly or erotically and is part of the character's…
How violent is The Jackal?
Violence is frequent, strong, and at times graphic and bloody. The film opens with a violent raid where characters are shot. The Jackal kills multiple people throughout the film; one man is shot in the head, another is killed with a chemical spray, and…
Is the language in The Jackal appropriate for kids?
Language is strong and used frequently throughout the film. The word "f--k" is used over 25 times, along with multiple uses of "s--t," "asshole," "bitch," and other profanity.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Jackal?
Characters drink alcohol in several scenes, including in bars, at social gatherings, and at home. The Jackal is seen drinking wine and other alcoholic beverages. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.
What mature themes appear in The Jackal?
The film's themes are mature, focusing on political assassination, terrorism, and revenge. The lead assassin is a sociopath who feels no emotion or remorse for his actions. A significant backstory element involves a main character's former lover, Isabella…
How long is The Jackal?
The Jackal runs 124 minutes, directed by Michael Caton-Jones, released in 1997.
Where can I read the full The Jackal parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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