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Mortal Kombat

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General Review

Parent's Guide to Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat (2021) is an R-rated martial arts action film, a reboot of the popular video game franchise. It centers on MMA fighter Cole Young, who discovers his connection to an ancient lineage of Earthrealm champions destined to defend their world from invaders from Outworld in a brutal tournament called Mortal Kombat. The narrative focuses on Cole and other iconic characters like Sonya Blade, Jax, Liu Kang, and Scorpion as they train to unlock their inherent powers (arcana) and face off against powerful adversaries such as Sub-Zero and Shang Tsung. The movie is primarily known for its extreme, graphic violence and intense fight sequences, staying faithful to the gruesome nature of the video games' 'fatalities.' It also features strong language and incorporates supernatural and occult themes as central elements of its fantastical world. While offering themes of family protection and good versus evil, the film's intense content makes it unsuitable for younger audiences.

Things to Consider

High4

Violence

The film is R-rated primarily for its strong bloody violence, featuring frequent and highly graphic depictions of combat, fatalities, and dismemberment. The violence is a central and defining characteristic of the movie, consistent with the video game franchise.

The movie showcases numerous gruesome 'fatalities,' including Kano ripping out Reptile's still-beating heart, and Kung Lao vertically bisecting Nitara with his razor-rimmed hat, revealing her innards. Other intense scenes include Cole Young impaling Goro's eye and gutting him, Jax's arms being frozen and shattered by Sub-Zero, and Scorpion burning Sub-Zero alive with hellfire, leaving a charred corpse.

Profanity

The film contains extensive and strong profanity, with frequent use of expletives, contributing significantly to its R-rating. This language is present throughout the dialogue, particularly from certain characters.

Witchcraft & Occult

Witchcraft and occult themes are central to the entire narrative, encompassing the source of characters' powers, the existence of different realms, and the very premise of the Mortal Kombat tournament. The film's spiritual elements are explicitly non-Christian and rooted in a pagan, magical worldview.

Scary & Intense Content

The film features extremely scary and intense content, driven by its graphic violence, grotesque creature designs, and frequent life-threatening situations. The 'fatalities' are designed to be shocking and disturbing.

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Medium4
LGBTQ & Gender IdentityRomance and Sexual ContentDisrespect & RebellionAnti-Christian Themes
Low1
Substance Use
Medium4

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

The film itself does not contain explicit LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. However, discussions within fan communities and media reviews of the broader Mortal Kombat franchise (video games) mention canonically gay and lesbian characters, leading to some fan speculation about subtle implied relationships, particularly between Liu Kang and Kung Lao, in the 2021 movie.

Romance and Sexual Content

Sexual content is minimal, limited primarily to crude references and suggestive dialogue. There is no explicit nudity or on-screen sexual activity.

Disrespect & Rebellion

Disrespect and rebellion are present through the character of Kano, who consistently displays a rebellious, insubordinate, and disrespectful attitude towards authority and his allies, culminating in betrayal.

Anti-Christian Themes

The film presents a pagan and mixed worldview, centralizing on a pantheon of 'Elder Gods,' magical abilities derived from one's 'soul,' and a mystical tournament that determines the fate of realms. While not explicitly critical of Christianity, its entire spiritual and metaphysical framework is distinct from and contradictory to a Christian worldview.

Low1

Substance Use

Substance use is minimal and infrequent, primarily involving casual alcohol consumption without depicting addiction or excessive use.

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Mortal Kombat (2021) presents a worldview deeply rooted in Eastern mysticism and pagan mythology, which contrasts significantly with biblical values. The core conflict revolves around a cosmic tournament orchestrated by 'Elder Gods' and fueled by individual fighters unlocking their 'arcana' or inner magical energy to gain superpowers. This emphasis on self-derived power and a polytheistic spiritual hierarchy stands in direct opposition to the Christian understanding of God as the sole sovereign Creator and the source of all true power. There are no elements of grace, forgiveness, or redemptive sacrifice in a biblical sense; instead, power is gained through combat and inner strength, often for the purpose of vengeance. Character morality is largely driven by personal code and allegiance to realms rather than a transcendent moral law. While characters like Cole Young fight to protect their family, which aligns with biblical family values, the means often involve extreme violence and brutal retribution, rather than justice or reconciliation. Vice, particularly the bloodlust and profanity of characters like Kano, is often portrayed as part of their character identity without significant moral accountability or negative consequences within the narrative framework, other than defeat in battle. The film ultimately presents a materialistic and relativistic view of life where strength and victory in battle are paramount, and spiritual power is a tool for achieving dominance or survival, rather than a path to worship or relationship with a holy God. The concept of 'hell' is present through Scorpion's resurrection but is depicted as a physical place for powerful warriors rather than a consequence of sin.

Additional Context

Best For Ages

17+ (R-rated). The film is strictly for mature audiences due to pervasive strong bloody violence, graphic fatalities, and frequent strong language. Parental guidance is strongly advised due to the intense and disturbing nature of the content.

Good to Know

The film is heavily reliant on fan service for the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, including numerous iconic 'fatalities' and character references. Newcomer character Cole Young was created for the movie, and his inclusion was met with mixed reactions from hardcore fans of the games. The fighting choreography is generally well-regarded for its brutality and spectacle, though some critics noted issues with editing and pacing in certain fight scenes.

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