OK for Kids?


To those of you who've seen the film: In your opinion, is it suitable for children (e.g., a group of 10-12 year olds)? It doesn't have an MPAA rating; I do know it has a bit of violence in it. Does it contain sex, nudity, etc.? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

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There's nothing inherently 'adult' about the movie (and there's no sex/nudity), and the violence that is present, whilst presented fairly realistically, isn't the focus of the film - but thats not to say children will understand every second of the film. Possibly the most upsetting thing present in the film are images of dead bodies cut down by disease floating in the river.

I don't think theres anything in the film that would particularly upset children, but I can think of better films to sit kids down in front of - partly because its subtitled and doesn't have a particularly fast-moving story - If I were 10 and started to watch a subtitled, slow-paced, long drama such as this, there's a risk I'd have gotten bored after a while.

As far as the rating goes... in the UK its 12A at the cinema, meaning anyone below 12 needs to be accompanied by an adult.

So if they're used to reading subtitles, and you think they can sit there through the whole 130 minutes, take em to see it - its a great film!


"Don't make me use my stuff on ya, baby!"

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Approximately the last 25 minutes of the movie contains a fight sequence involving swords and blood. Although it is a wonderful movie, I would imagine that some parents in America and Europe would object to their 10-12-year-olds seeing it.

You may be best off watching the film for yourself before deciding whether the children you have in mind should watch it.

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IMHO this movie should definitely be shown to "kids"
It beats Spiderman 3 any day of the week

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Omae wa mo shindeiru

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There are dead bodies floating down rivers, a dead body on the ground, and all of it looks realistic. That said, the violence is not over the top. It enhances the storyline and such.

There is no nudity or anything else like that. But, it does get mildly romantic at points, and I feel that it might be a turn off for these kids.

I'd have to say get parental permission and possibly view it first.

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I haven't heard of anything explicit. Just themes that are better suited for adults, though not inappropriate for kids.

Basically if a kid is already into thematically mature flicks, they may love it. But my four-year-old brother would only like the parts with swords.

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There is no sex/nudity in the film. In fact, there isn't even any kissing. So in that regard it's safer than a Disney film. As mentioned, there are a couple of scenes in which dead bodies are seen floating in the river; however, the bodies are shown from somewhat of a distance and not really focused on--all you see is a pale human form with raggedy clothes. As for the violence, there are two "action" sequences; the first contains no blood whatsoever and the second contains some blood but no gore--in other words, the combatants get blood on themselves, but because of the dark setting and the loose clothing worn by those involved, the wounds are more implied than shown. There is also another very brief scene of violence which contains a bit more blood. From my experience with American films, it is very possible the MPAA would have given it an "R" rating based on this last scene alone, but such a rating is not particularly warranted.

One last note: as mentioned, this movie can move very slowly at times. Despite the brief appearance of swords and a couple of jokes, it is neither an action film nor a comedy, but a drama about the love of a man for his family and his place as a low-class samurai in feudal Japan. Thus, regardless of the lack of sex and mildness of violence, it is an adult movie first and foremost. That said, it is a good film and it is certainly possible for relatively mature middle-schoolers to appreciate some of its finer points.

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This is a mature film. I don't know that a 10 year old would be able to really appreciate it too much. But the violence is minimal. There are really only two fight scenes in the film - both are small. The second scene, at the end of the film, is sporatic and subtle. Most of the violence occurs in shadow, or just off screen. There is some blood, but nothing approaching gratuitous. This isn't Kill Bill or Braveheart.

Overall, I say this isn't an inappropriate film for adolescents - but anyone younger than about 13 or so probably won't enjoy it.

It'd deserve about a PG-13 if the MPAA rated it.

Evolution is a fact, not 'just a theory'!

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I'm not absolutely sure about that. It's a movie about fathers and children might appreciate it, if they aren't bored by it.

Anyway, you can't go wrong with Neverending Story, Karate Kid, and Ghostbusters.

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I know that, were I 10 years old, I wouldn't enjoy this film.

It deals with some fairly mature concepts. Could children enjoy it? Sure. Will your average 10 year old? Probably not.

Evolution is a fact, not 'just a theory'!

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I don't necessarily disagree with you about most children not enjoying it. However, I personally felt that this film was a bit warm and touching in a way that would appeal more to younger, more innocent minds. I thought I would have enjoyed the film more when I was younger (maybe early teens).

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To each his own (or her own).

I don't think most kids'll grasp the issues dealt with, here. That doesn't mean kids can't, though.

Evolution is a fact, not 'just a theory'!

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I don't say it is suitable for children particularly,but it is not bad .
If the chldren cleverboys or girls some could understand how to live on theirs lives a little.

(I don't know the word MPAA.)

It doesn't contain sex,nudity but beautiful human mind.

when tyey are too young to understand ,it is not bad,I think.

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I simply cannot understand how or why intelligent Americans would allow the MPAA(Motion Picture Association of America)decide what is or is not "OK" for kids, or for young people of any age, to watch. Who appointed them the all-seeing, wise and self-righteous guardians of moral fibre? Letting Hollywood decide what's proper is like letting the Congress try to legislate morality. They wouldn't know it if they stepped in it, and I find it difficult to credit that people are foolish enough to raise their children, and the thoughts and images they expose them to, based on what some bunch of prigs have chosen to rate another's artistic vision. But to each his own.

If sex and violence are your concerns, rest assured that there is none of the former and minimal of the latter. I'd let my youngsters watch it--it's a beautiful, moving piece--but they'd be bored to tears.

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I simply cannot understand how or why intelligent Americans would allow the MPAA(Motion Picture Association of America)decide what is or is not "OK" for kids, or for young people of any age, to watch. Who appointed them the all-seeing, wise and self-righteous guardians of moral fibre? Letting Hollywood decide what's proper is like letting the Congress try to legislate morality. They wouldn't know it if they stepped in it, and I find it difficult to credit that people are foolish enough to raise their children, and the thoughts and images they expose them to, based on what some bunch of prigs have chosen to rate another's artistic vision. But to each his own.
Well said!

"The comfort of the rich depends upon an abundant supply of the poor."
- Voltaire

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if there ever was a samurai film most suitable for children it's this one. imo
the protagonist is really non violent. it's told from a kids perspective. it puts death in a digestible perspective. it's cute. etc.

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