What we flagged
View all categories
Our take
The middle chapter turns more firmly toward war, building to a long night battle at a mountain fortress. There are sustained sword and spear fights, frightening creatures, and a slippery, pitiful figure called Gollum who can unsettle kids. Language stays clean and there is nothing sexual, but the siege is loud, dark, and intense over a long stretch. Kids who were fine with the first film around 13 should manage, though the fortress attack is the stretch that may need a pause.
Uplifting themes
Friendship, hope against long odds, and standing up for others shine throughout, crowned by a stirring speech on why the fight still matters. The warmth under the war is one of the film's clear strengths Sam's unshakeable faith in his friend and Aragorn's calm leadership set strong examples for kids. Even when everything looks hopeless, the characters press on, showing a quiet kind of courage
Story (may spoil tone)
Frodo Baggins and the other members of the Fellowship continue on their sacred quest to destroy the One Ring--but on separate paths. Their destinies lie at two towers--Orthanc Tower in Isengard, where the corrupt wizard Saruman awaits, and Sauron's fortress at Barad-dur, deep within the dark lands of Mordor.
Details
Violence Everything builds to a long fortress siege of massed sword and spear fi…
Everything builds to a long fortress siege of massed sword and spear fighting, with a wolf-pack attack on the road. The combat comes often and hits hard, and many foes are cut down, though the camera keeps off the worst of the wounds
Drugs / alcohol In the quieter moments, characters share ale and smoke pipe-weed, much…
In the quieter moments, characters share ale and smoke pipe-weed, much as they did in the first film. It never steps forward and simply stays part of the background throughout
Frightening Gollum's split personality, ghostly faces drifting in a marsh, and towe…
Gollum's split personality, ghostly faces drifting in a marsh, and towering Uruk-hai warriors keep a steady sense of menace going. The night siege is dark and thunderous, and a few images may linger with more sensitive younger viewers
Child peril / abuse With the fortress bracing for war, frightened young boys are handed arm…
With the fortress bracing for war, frightened young boys are handed armour and sent to help defend the walls. They look frozen and plainly out of their depth, although the film keeps them clear of real harm
Gore / death / weapons Once the siege begins, battle deaths pile up and weapons fill every sce…
Once the siege begins, battle deaths pile up and weapons fill every scene, with some blood on blades and faces. The injuries pass quickly, while the sense of danger stays constant to the end
Grief / bereavement Early on, a king buries his only son, and the mourning that follows is…
Early on, a king buries his only son, and the mourning that follows is quiet and genuinely sad. That loss sets a sombre tone over the story well before the fighting starts
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
What other parents think.
Be the first family to leave a watch note.
Talk after watching
- Sam gives a speech about the stories that really matter. What keeps your family going when things feel hopeless?
- Gollum is both villain and victim. How do you talk with kids about feeling sorry for someone who does bad things?
Ask ClearAge
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Ask about this guide, or name another film to open its ClearAge page.
