A Knight's Tale (2001) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
William Thatcher, a knight's peasant apprentice, gets a chance at glory when the knight dies suddenly mid-tournament. Posing as a knight himself, William won't stop until he's crowned tournament champion—assuming matters of the heart don't get in the way.
Rated PG-13 • 2001 • 2h 13m
A Knight's Tale is a PG-13 action-romance that earns its rating primarily for frequent and stylized jousting violence. Parents should be aware of numerous sequences where knights are dramatically unhorsed by lances, sometimes resulting in injury. The film also contains brief, non-sexual rear nudity in a comedic context, some light profanity, and a distressing scene where the hero, William Thatcher, is publicly shamed in a pillory. An… Sign up for the full guide
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Is A Knight's Tale appropriate for kids?
A Knight's Tale is a PG-13 action-romance that earns its rating primarily for frequent and stylized jousting violence. Parents should be aware of numerous sequences where knights are dramatically unhorsed by lances, sometimes resulting in injury. The film also contains brief… Read more — free account
Content severity in A Knight's Tale
What happens in A Knight's Tale, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:18 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
Sex and nudity in A Knight's Tale
This category is light. A main character, Geoffrey Chaucer, is seen from behind with his buttocks exposed in two brief, comedic scenes after losing his clothes gambling. There are a few mild verbal references to sex and desire, such as a character considering praising a woman's breasts in a letter. A romantic scene between William and Jocelyn involves passionate kissing before fading to black, implying an off-screen sexual encounter.
Violence and gore in A Knight's Tale
Violence is frequent and central to the plot, but mostly stylized within the context of jousting tournaments. Knights are frequently seen being struck with wooden lances, shattering them on impact, and being violently thrown from their horses. There are a few fistfights and brawls. In the finale, the villain uses an illegally sharpened lance to wound William, drawing some blood, and the final impact is particularly forceful.
Language in A Knight's Tale
Language is very mild for a PG-13 rating. There are a few uses of "damn" and "hell," one instance of "son of a bitch," and the British term "shite." The word "tit" is used once in a non-sexual context, referring to a bird. Much of the 'profanity' is a creative, made-up intensifier ("fonged").
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in A Knight's Tale
Substance use is brief and incidental. Characters are shown drinking wine at a formal banquet and ale in taverns in a social context consistent with the medieval setting. No one is ever shown to be intoxicated, and there is no depiction of drug use.
Mature themes in A Knight's Tale
Moderate themes are present. The central theme is class and identity, as William, a peasant, lies about his noble birth to compete. This deception leads to a scene of public humiliation where he is locked in a pillory and berated by a crowd. The film also deals with parental abandonment and an emotional reunion with an estranged, blind father. Loyalty and honor are recurring positive themes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Knight's Tale appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests A Knight's Tale is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. A Knight's Tale is a PG-13 action-romance that earns its rating primarily for frequent and stylized jousting violence. Parents should be aware of numerous sequences where knights are dramatically unhorsed by lances…
What age rating does A Knight's Tale have?
A Knight's Tale is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is A Knight's Tale about?
A Knight's Tale is a PG-13 action-romance that earns its rating primarily for frequent and stylized jousting violence. Parents should be aware of numerous sequences where knights are dramatically unhorsed by lances, sometimes resulting in injury. The film also contains brief, non-sexual rear nudity in a comedic…
Is there sex or nudity in A Knight's Tale?
This category is light. A main character, Geoffrey Chaucer, is seen from behind with his buttocks exposed in two brief, comedic scenes after losing his clothes gambling. There are a few mild verbal references to sex and desire, such as a character considering…
How violent is A Knight's Tale?
Violence is frequent and central to the plot, but mostly stylized within the context of jousting tournaments. Knights are frequently seen being struck with wooden lances, shattering them on impact, and being violently thrown from their horses. There are a few…
Is the language in A Knight's Tale appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild for a PG-13 rating. There are a few uses of "damn" and "hell," one instance of "son of a bitch," and the British term "shite." The word "tit" is used once in a non-sexual context, referring to a bird. Much of the 'profanity' is a…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in A Knight's Tale?
Substance use is brief and incidental. Characters are shown drinking wine at a formal banquet and ale in taverns in a social context consistent with the medieval setting. No one is ever shown to be intoxicated, and there is no depiction of drug use.
What mature themes appear in A Knight's Tale?
Moderate themes are present. The central theme is class and identity, as William, a peasant, lies about his noble birth to compete. This deception leads to a scene of public humiliation where he is locked in a pillory and berated by a crowd. The film also…
How long is A Knight's Tale?
A Knight's Tale runs 133 minutes, directed by Brian Helgeland, released in 2001.
Where can I read the full A Knight's Tale parent guide?
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