Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Marksman

film

The Marksman

2021

Jim Hanson’s quiet life is suddenly disturbed by two people crossing the US/Mexico border – a woman and her young son – desperate to flee a Mexican cartel. After a shootout leaves the mother dead, Jim becomes the boy’s reluctant defender. He embraces his role as Miguel’s protector and will stop at nothing to get him to safety, as they go on the run from the relentless assassins.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The boy's mother is killed, and murder is a recurring element connected to the cartel and the pursuit.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some blood and injuries are depicted, particularly following shootouts, though not excessively graphic.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

A PG-13 action thriller may include recurring moderate profanity, though the supplied material does not list specific language.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Relentless assassins, pursuit, weapons, border danger, and threats to a child create sustained tension and peril.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Some social drinking is present, generally incidental to the characters.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Shootouts, armed attacks, killings, assassination attempts, and repeated action violence are central to the story.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist repeatedly faces armed criminals and serious danger to help a child reach safety.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Survival travel and tactical problem-solving may encourage some practical imagination, but creativity is not a central focus.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features characters from Mexican backgrounds; portrayals are functional but primarily focused on survival.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The film may offer incidental context about border crossings, cartels, and migration, but education is not its main purpose.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Care for a vulnerable child and protective loyalty are important, positive elements amid the violence.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes the themes of protection, duty, and sacrifice for the vulnerable.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Jim acts courageously and protectively, though the violent circumstances and vigilantism make his example morally complicated.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Marksman would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Marksman, and what caused that change?
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