42 (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first Black man to play in Major League Baseball facing unabashed racism from the public, the press and other players.
Rated PG-13 • 2013 • 2h 8m
42 is a biographical sports drama depicting the challenges Jackie Robinson faced as the first Black Major League Baseball player. The film's PG-13 rating is largely due to the pervasive, historically accurate use of racial slurs and aggressive verbal harassment directed at Robinson by players and fans. Parents should be aware of themes involving systemic racial prejudice, segregation, and intense emotional conflict. While the film… Sign up for the full guide
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Is 42 appropriate for kids?
42 is a biographical sports drama depicting the challenges Jackie Robinson faced as the first Black Major League Baseball player. The film's PG-13 rating is largely due to the pervasive, historically accurate use of racial slurs and aggressive verbal harassment directed at… Read more — free account
Content severity in 42
What happens in 42, moment by moment
- 0:45 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:52 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
- 1:08 💬 Language 7/10
Sex and nudity in 42
The film contains very brief, mild romantic moments, including a scene where a manager is implied to be cheating on his wife, shown in bed with another woman. There is also a scene involving lighthearted, non-sexual confusion in a locker room setting.
Violence and gore in 42
There is no graphic violence or gore. Occasional incidents include a baseball player being spiked by another's cleats, resulting in a minor leg injury, and a scene where a player hits a wall in frustration. These moments are brief and non-explicit.
Language in 42
The film features pervasive, strong language consistent with its historical setting. This includes frequent, repeated use of multiple racial slurs, including the N-word, as well as occasional profane words like 'shit,' 'damn,' and 'bitch.'
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in 42
There is occasional, mild use of tobacco, specifically Branch Rickey frequently smoking or chewing on cigars. Social drinking occurs in limited contexts.
Mature themes in 42
The core theme is systemic racial prejudice and segregation in 1940s America. The film depicts intense emotional abuse, exclusion, and social hostility directed at Robinson, which remains the central, challenging subject matter throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 42 appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests 42 is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. 42 is a biographical sports drama depicting the challenges Jackie Robinson faced as the first Black Major League Baseball player. The film's PG-13 rating is largely due to the pervasive, historically accurate use of…
What age rating does 42 have?
42 is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is 42 about?
42 is a biographical sports drama depicting the challenges Jackie Robinson faced as the first Black Major League Baseball player. The film's PG-13 rating is largely due to the pervasive, historically accurate use of racial slurs and aggressive verbal harassment directed at Robinson by players and fans. Parents should…
Is there sex or nudity in 42?
The film contains very brief, mild romantic moments, including a scene where a manager is implied to be cheating on his wife, shown in bed with another woman. There is also a scene involving lighthearted, non-sexual confusion in a locker room setting.
How violent is 42?
There is no graphic violence or gore. Occasional incidents include a baseball player being spiked by another's cleats, resulting in a minor leg injury, and a scene where a player hits a wall in frustration. These moments are brief and non-explicit.
Is the language in 42 appropriate for kids?
The film features pervasive, strong language consistent with its historical setting. This includes frequent, repeated use of multiple racial slurs, including the N-word, as well as occasional profane words like 'shit,' 'damn,' and 'bitch.'
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in 42?
There is occasional, mild use of tobacco, specifically Branch Rickey frequently smoking or chewing on cigars. Social drinking occurs in limited contexts.
What mature themes appear in 42?
The core theme is systemic racial prejudice and segregation in 1940s America. The film depicts intense emotional abuse, exclusion, and social hostility directed at Robinson, which remains the central, challenging subject matter throughout.
How long is 42?
42 runs 128 minutes, directed by Brian Helgeland, released in 2013.
Where can I read the full 42 parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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