Parents' Guide to

The American

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Taut, mature drama examines the life of a lone assassin.

Movie R 2010 95 minutes
The American Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 17+

Based on 13 parent reviews

maurdaw
maurdaw Adult
September 19, 2020
age 18+

Sexually prolonged graphic nudity

I was suprised about the sex scene in this movie. A little nudity is okay, but the main sex scene with a prostitute is like porn! He did encounter her earlier in the film and she stripped and posed for him, with breasts and pubic hair on display, but no sex. The second time it was totally ott... First of all it was all about her nudity - whilst laying on the bed he sucked her nipples, then went down on her and although you didn’t see what he was doing, the scene was filmed from a low angle close up to her breasts, whilst her face was in the distance showing pleasure. This went in for 3 or 4 minutes and then he turned her iver and again it was all focusing on her breasts! After another few minutes, they then sat and had a cigarette and talked, all the time she was totally naked. In total, i would say 10 mins of female nudity, which kind if put me off enjoying the rest of the boring film!
Bill K.
Bill K. Adult
August 21, 2017
age 18+

Great movie! Some will find faults but I dug it.

Loved the whole thing. Tried reading the book but didn't get into it What I wonder is why do the killers who find Jack send him a pnewspaper clipping about killed prostitutes ? Why warn him? The killer isn't a professional and Jack dispatches him quickly. Why does it take Jack so long to realize Paulo has betrayed him and why does Paulo betray him? There's more to this story. The beginning starts with some one wanting to kill Jack in a remote location. How did they find him if. It for Paulo? After reading a few reviews just now I find it humorous how some of the younger reviews are put off by thensex. That's real life as I see it as a 51 year old. One day they may understand.... and too bad that some can't appreciate the slow serious tone of the movie. It hits home for many who travel or work alone.
See all 13 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Edward (George Clooney) is a firearm craftsman and assassin who has grown weary of his life. The lone wolf longs to be part of a pack. When hitmen come after him in Sweden, shattering his idyll and leaving his lover dead by his own hands, he decamps to rural Italy, where he befriends a priest and a prostitute. Soon, another assignment comes in: Will it be his last?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (13 ):
Kids say (2 ):

Anyone expecting a Bourne-like thrill-a-minute experience will be suprised and perplexed by THE AMERICAN. Though suspenseful, it proceeds at a mindful, brooding, and, in some instances, glacial pace. Watch Clooney working alone in his room, drinking alone at a bar, standing alone on a riverbank. (You get the picture.)

Therein lies director Anton Corbijn's genius. Viewers don't just see Edward's isolation and increasing despair -- they feel it by the second. His responses and decisions, then, make perfect sense within his very palpable existence. Clooney once again turns in fine work, but sometimes his superstar George Clooney-ness overwhelms. (It doesn't help that the film is set in Italy, where everyone who has ever read a tabloid knows that Clooney has a villa and lives part-time.) Not everything makes sense at first watching, but it pays to get to know The American.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the media typically portrays assassins and spies. How is this movie different? Which seems more realistic?

  • Who do you think this movie is intended to appeal to? Is it successful?

Movie Details

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