If you are interested in spies and espionage this is a great film. I suspect the 1 star reviews are from people expecting a SPY MOVIE. E.g Mission Impossible, James Bond , Spy Kids etc. This is a film based on a novel about an actual covert intelligence group known as Red Sparrows. In the scenes showing the degrading tasks the Red Sparrows must do in training (to dehumanize and make patriots of the recruits), we are taken to the brink of what we can stand to see happen on screen, which I'm sure is what the director was trying to do.

Lawrence's character is a tough, highly Intelligent woman who goes through hell. Yes there is sexual violence in this movie but yknow what? Sexual violence is real, why the constant need to hide it? It is not shown in a gratuitous way to sexualize the act for creepy movie perverts like it is in some horror films, it's necessary for the plot, she is a SPY! Danger is part of the job.

This movie is rated R. If you like gritty, psychological espionage films you will enjoy this. It's violent a few times but just the right balance (its not HOSTEL). If you can not tolerate realistic portrayals of torture or sexual violence do not watch. It is also not a cheesy action flick, so some may be bored by that. Fans of Eastern Promises should enjoy.