Connected Parent

Is 'The Dark Knight' for Kids?

By Dave Rogers - Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:54pm PDT
12222 Comments
Post a comment

It's not a comic book movie.

That's the first thing you should know when your kids ask to see "The Dark Knight," this summer's biggest blockbuster. The film is vastly more true to Frank Miller's famous alternative view of The Batman than to the zap-pow camp of Adam West's TV portrayal and sanitized DC comics that filled our childhood.

So how do you answer? Should your children see "The Dark Knight?" We turned first to our resident film fanatic and visual designer, Chuck Kim, the first of the Yahoo! Kids team to see the box office smash.

"I would not take a kid to see 'The Dark Knight,' said Chuck. "The Joker and Two-Face alone could give a kid nightmares." The oft-mentioned violence is not of one of gore, he says, but more of the heart—and thus potentially more terrifying. "The main thing is that it is a very dark movie," Chuck concludes."There's no ray of hope for the city." He recommends kids be 14 or older to see the film.

Such cautions seem to be the consensus, beginning with movie's star, Christian Bale, who said this on the "Today Show:"

"It’s quite haunting. It’s something which will stay with you for quite a while afterward. I’m not sure how much a child will be oblivious to that. I would say starting at about 9, maybe 10 years old may be an appropriate age for kids to be able to deal with this.”

A sampling of other comments:

"'Dark Knight' is a staggeringly violent and disturbing film. Thought-provoking for adults, but potentially terrifying for children," says Jeffrey Weiss of The Dallas Morning News. "The PG-13 rating should offer some warning, yes. But this film dances just south of an R in my book."

"This film is not for children, and I would discourage parents from taking anyone under 12 to see this movie," writes Jim Pappas of The Trades.com. “'The Dark Knight' offers a glimpse into the darker places within each of us, which might be cathartic for some, but others will simply be afraid."

"The movie is sadistic, violent, disturbing and also one of the best and biggest movies of the year," according to MoviesOnline.ca. "That all said, 3 out of 4 of those components are absolutely not suitable for young children... regardless of how the MPAA rated the movie."

Ultimately, the "Dark Knight" decision depends upon you, your children and your relationships with them. There are children at age 14 (and I was one) who would be deeply troubled by the darkness of the film. And there are children of 10 who could not only face down the terror but even discuss some of the film's layered themes.

In all cases, we suggest talking with your children about "The Dark Knight." Be sure they understand that it is not a typical comic book movie and that it is intended for grown-ups. And should you permit them to see the film, we strongly recommend discussing it afterwards; our Common Sense Media review has some excellent starting points.

How about you? Have you seen "The Dark Knight?" Would you take your children to see it? Please share your views in our comments.

Related: movies, talking about media, media violence

« Previous Review: 'Sleeping Beauty' DVD

Next » Review: 'Tinker Bell'

Other Parents Say…

Showing 1-10 Comments of 12223

Oldest
« Older
Newer »
Newest

Posted by Endless Harlequin Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:36pm PDT

It was not meant to be a kid's movie. Just because something is at some point a cartoon or a comic does not make it kid friendly when it comes out into theatres. Get over it.

Report Abuse
Posted by Thomas M Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:37pm PDT

Great movie, not for kids younger than 12

Report Abuse
Posted by cimurr24 Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:37pm PDT

You want a "Kids" movie, go rent " Batman and Robin"!

Report Abuse
Posted by didedra Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:38pm PDT

Surprisingly, I agree with this 100%... I liked the movie (didn't love it, but liked it) a lot, but it definitely takes batman to places even frank miller and alan moore didn't quite go... I would think kids of 14-15 and up might be able to appreciate it without freaking out...

Report Abuse
Posted by queenashley2 Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:39pm PDT

thanks your comments. My 9 year old loves all the other super hero movies. glad to hear that The Dark Night is not one of those movies.

Report Abuse
Posted by cam Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:39pm PDT

I think most kid around 8 or 9 can handle this movie. I know could when I was that age.

Report Abuse
Posted by jdmcrx02 Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:39pm PDT

This movie is exactly what a Batman movie should be. Batman isn't the "campy" Adam West tv show it was back in the 60's. The character is refered to as The Dark Knight for a reason.

Report Abuse
Posted by Mandi Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:40pm PDT

Thank you, I went to see this without my child and was upset that they can't watch it for a few years. It was an awesome movie, but the rating should have been different. In the theatre we were in, there were too many 5 and 6 year olds there. I'm glad I wasn't the only one who thought about how scary the movie would be. Great movie, but not for kids.

Report Abuse
Posted by Meg Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:40pm PDT

I think people need to realize that just because something started out as a comic or a graphic novel does NOT mean it was marketed or created for children.

Report Abuse
Posted by Mac Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:40pm PDT

A great movie, easy the best ive seen all year but i would agree that this movie may be to much for a child to witness! Harvey two face effects are outstanding but gruesome!

Report Abuse