A Dangerous Method (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Seduced by the challenge of an impossible case, the driven Dr. Carl Jung takes the unbalanced yet beautiful Sabina Spielrein as his patient. Jung’s weapon is the method of his master, the renowned Sigmund Freud. Both men fall under Sabina’s spell.
Rated R • 2011 • 1h 39m
This R-rated biographical drama explores the tumultuous relationships between pioneering psychoanalysts Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, and their brilliant patient-turned-colleague, Sabina Spielrein. The film earned its rating primarily for strong sexual content, which includes an affair featuring BDSM elements like spanking and bondage, along with several scenes of female nudity (breasts and nipple). The narrative also contains a single use… Sign up for the full guide
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Is A Dangerous Method appropriate for kids?
This R-rated biographical drama explores the tumultuous relationships between pioneering psychoanalysts Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, and their brilliant patient-turned-colleague, Sabina Spielrein. The film earned its rating primarily for strong sexual content, which includes an… Read more — free account
Content severity in A Dangerous Method
What happens in A Dangerous Method, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:24 🍷 Substances 3/10
Sex and nudity in A Dangerous Method
Strong. The film's central plot involves an affair between Dr. Jung and his patient, Sabina. This relationship is depicted with sexual content that includes BDSM elements; there are two scenes where Jung spanks Sabina, once with his hand and once with a belt while she is bound. Several scenes feature female nudity, including breasts visible over a corset, in a mirror's reflection, and visible through a wet dress. The film also contains frank, clinical discussions about sexuality, masturbation, and desire.
Violence and gore in A Dangerous Method
Mild. Violence is infrequent and not graphic. Early in the film, Sabina is physically manhandled and restrained by hospital orderlies during a hysterical episode. In a later scene during a heated argument, Sabina strikes Jung across the face with a small knife, leaving a visible but minor bloody scratch. The spanking scenes, while physically aggressive, are presented in a sexual context.
Language in A Dangerous Method
Light. The dialogue is largely formal and intellectual. There is only one use of the word "f--k" in the entire film. No other significant profanity is used.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in A Dangerous Method
Moderate. Substance use is a regular feature. The character of Sigmund Freud smokes a cigar in nearly every scene he appears in, and other characters are also seen smoking cigarettes. Characters drink alcohol socially in several scenes. There is one brief but clear scene where a character snorts a white powder, implied to be cocaine.
Mature themes in A Dangerous Method
Strong. The film is built around complex and mature themes. It deeply explores the ethics of the doctor-patient relationship, infidelity, and the emotional consequences of an affair. It graphically depicts the symptoms of mental illness ('hysteria') and discusses childhood trauma as its root cause. The intellectual disagreements between Jung and Freud form a major part of the plot. The film concludes with a text epilogue that soberly details the tragic real-life fates of the characters, including execution by…
Read more — free accountFrequently Asked Questions
Is A Dangerous Method appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests A Dangerous Method is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. This R-rated biographical drama explores the tumultuous relationships between pioneering psychoanalysts Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, and their brilliant patient-turned-colleague, Sabina Spielrein. The film earned its…
What age rating does A Dangerous Method have?
A Dangerous Method is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is A Dangerous Method about?
This R-rated biographical drama explores the tumultuous relationships between pioneering psychoanalysts Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, and their brilliant patient-turned-colleague, Sabina Spielrein. The film earned its rating primarily for strong sexual content, which includes an affair featuring BDSM elements like…
Is there sex or nudity in A Dangerous Method?
Strong. The film's central plot involves an affair between Dr. Jung and his patient, Sabina. This relationship is depicted with sexual content that includes BDSM elements; there are two scenes where Jung spanks Sabina, once with his hand and once with a belt…
How violent is A Dangerous Method?
Mild. Violence is infrequent and not graphic. Early in the film, Sabina is physically manhandled and restrained by hospital orderlies during a hysterical episode. In a later scene during a heated argument, Sabina strikes Jung across the face with a small…
Is the language in A Dangerous Method appropriate for kids?
Light. The dialogue is largely formal and intellectual. There is only one use of the word "f--k" in the entire film. No other significant profanity is used.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in A Dangerous Method?
Moderate. Substance use is a regular feature. The character of Sigmund Freud smokes a cigar in nearly every scene he appears in, and other characters are also seen smoking cigarettes. Characters drink alcohol socially in several scenes. There is one brief but…
What mature themes appear in A Dangerous Method?
Strong. The film is built around complex and mature themes. It deeply explores the ethics of the doctor-patient relationship, infidelity, and the emotional consequences of an affair. It graphically depicts the symptoms of mental illness ('hysteria') and…
How long is A Dangerous Method?
A Dangerous Method runs 99 minutes, directed by David Cronenberg, released in 2011.
Where can I read the full A Dangerous Method parent guide?
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