Bulletproof Monk parents guide

Bulletproof Monk Parent Guide

Overall C

Three prophecies foretell the identity of the next guardian of an ancient Asian scroll --- a sacred spool containing the formula for world peace or domination, depending on how it is used.

Release date April 16, 2003

Violence D
Sexual Content B-
Profanity D+
Substance Use B

Why is Bulletproof Monk rated PG-13? The MPAA rated Bulletproof Monk PG-13 for violence, language and some sexual content

Run Time: 104 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Three prophecies foretell the identity of the next guardian of an ancient Asian scroll—- a sacred spool containing the formula for world peace or domination, depending on how it is used.

For 60 years, the Monk With No Name (Chow Yun-Fat) has protected this valued script. Now the time has come for him to find the successor who will keep it from falling into the wrong hands. In this case, the wrong hands belong to an evil Nazi commander named Strucker (Karel Roden) who, like all credible villains, wants to take over the world.

While monasteries might seem the most likely place to find the chosen one, Monk heads to New York City. Deep in the subway corridors, he meets Kar (Seann William Scott), a smart-mouthed pickpocket who’s doing a booming business ripping off unsuspecting rail riders. Interested only in his own welfare, Kar is unwittingly drawn into helping the Tibetan traveler save the life of a young girl.

But training the undisciplined youth proves problematic for the Zen-like master. Along with his prot0xE9g0xE9’s initial lack of desire to be enlightened about his greater purpose in life, the aging Strucker has rolled into town. Assisted by his granddaughter Nina (Victoria Smurfit), a lanky blonde who fronts as a Human Rights activist, the former German officer orchestrates one attempt after another to acquire the scroll.

It is not until the mercenaries attack the owner of the Chinese theater where Kar lives and ransack his basement suite, that he agrees to partner up with the martial arts master and a runaway named Bad Girl (James King) in order to protect the artifact.

Once again moviemakers give us a storyline where the most unlikely of characters is called upon to save the day. Forget discipline, training and traditional values. What we need is a criminal to make things right.

Still, the chemistry between the calm and collected monk and the brash thief seems to work. Scenes of carefully choreographed hand-to-hand fighting showcase what Chow does best and give Scott a chance to show off his physique. Unfortunately, the bad guys are so overdone they distract from the story. Using gimmicky gadgets to flush memories from the mind and refusing to succumb to death, these thugs push the limits of believability even for entertainment’s sake.

With bullet-riddled bodies, electrocutions and people falling from buildings, this film’s violence quotient quickly adds up along with its arsenal of profanities. Considering the lighter moments of diversion the movie offers, it’s too bad the script isn’t as bulletproof as the monk.

Starring Yun-Fat Chow, Seann William Scott. Running time: 104 minutes. Theatrical release April 16, 2003. Updated

Bulletproof Monk Parents' Guide

Nina believes that while human atrocities are part of mankind’s experience, examples of man’s humanity to another are not reality. What do you think? While brutality cannot be overlooked or dismissed, is there still value in noting the good that takes place?

Despite Kar’s attitude and appearance, Monk could see potential in him. How can a person encourage another to rise to their capabilities? Was Monk successful?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Bulletproof Monk movie is September 9, 2009. Here are some details…

Bulletproof Monk releases as a DVD/Blu-ray Combo on 6 April, 2010.

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Born in Hong Kong in 1955, actor Chow Yun-Fat plays the part of King Mongkut of Siam who hires an English schoolteacher in the 1999 film, Anna and the King. He also takes on the role of Master Li Mu Bai, a respected soldier who is trying to leave his bloody past behind in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.