Poster for A United Kingdom

A United Kingdom (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The inspiring true story of Seretse Khama, the King of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the London office worker he married in 1948 in the face of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments. Seretse and Ruth defied family, Apartheid and empire - their love triumphed over every obstacle flung in their path and in so doing they transformed their nation and inspired the world.

Rated PG-13 • 2016 • 1h 51m

6.7
400+
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Age
13+

A United Kingdom is a historical drama based on the true story of Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams, whose interracial marriage in the 1940s sparked international political conflict. The film earned its PG-13 rating for strong thematic content, primarily pervasive racism and political injustice, which includes the use of racial slurs like the 'n-word'. There is also a scene of sensuality without nudity, some brief violence resulting in a… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo
Rosamund Pike
Rosamund Pike
Tom Felton
Tom Felton
Jack Davenport
Jack Davenport
Terry Pheto
Terry Pheto
Laura Carmichael
Laura Carmichael
Jessica Oyelowo
Jessica Oyelowo
Vusi Kunene
Vusi Kunene
Nicholas Lyndhurst
Nicholas Lyndhurst
Arnold Oceng
Arnold Oceng
Anastasia Hille
Anastasia Hille
Charlotte Hope
Charlotte Hope
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Is A United Kingdom appropriate for kids?

A United Kingdom is a historical drama based on the true story of Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams, whose interracial marriage in the 1940s sparked international political conflict. The film earned its PG-13 rating for strong thematic content, primarily pervasive racism and… Read more — free account

Content severity in A United Kingdom

Sex Strong 5/10
Violence Strong 5/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in A United Kingdom, moment by moment

  1. 0:03 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
  2. 0:09 🍷 Substances 2/10
  3. 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
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Sex and nudity in A United Kingdom

Contains one scene of moderate sensuality on the couple's wedding night. Seretse and Ruth are shown kissing and undressing each other down to undergarments (a bra strap is seen being slid down a shoulder), but no nudity is depicted. Other scenes include romantic kissing.

Violence and gore in A United Kingdom

Violence is infrequent and not graphic. There is a brief boxing scene at the beginning without injury detail. In another scene, a couple is accosted on the street, leading to a short fistfight where a woman is accidentally hit and gets a bloody nose. Later, guards are seen striking villagers with clubs, but the action is not shown in close-up and no injuries are visible.

Language in A United Kingdom

The film contains occasional profanity and some strong racial slurs which are central to the theme of racism. The 'n-word' is used, as is a term like "black bastard." Milder language includes uses of "hell" and "damned."

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in A United Kingdom

Substance use is mild and incidental, mostly serving to establish the historical period. Characters are seen smoking cigarettes socially in several scenes. Alcohol is consumed in social settings, such as meetings and bars, with characters drinking beer and shots.

Mature themes in A United Kingdom

The film's primary focus is on strong themes of systemic racism, colonialism, and political injustice. The story explicitly deals with the cruelty of apartheid policies, shows characters facing intense prejudice and racist verbal abuse, and involves political betrayal. Key emotional themes include the forced exile of a husband from his pregnant wife and the struggle for national sovereignty.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is A United Kingdom appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests A United Kingdom is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. A United Kingdom is a historical drama based on the true story of Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams, whose interracial marriage in the 1940s sparked international political conflict. The film earned its PG-13 rating for…

What age rating does A United Kingdom have?

A United Kingdom is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is A United Kingdom about?

A United Kingdom is a historical drama based on the true story of Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams, whose interracial marriage in the 1940s sparked international political conflict. The film earned its PG-13 rating for strong thematic content, primarily pervasive racism and political injustice, which includes the use…

Is there sex or nudity in A United Kingdom?

Contains one scene of moderate sensuality on the couple's wedding night. Seretse and Ruth are shown kissing and undressing each other down to undergarments (a bra strap is seen being slid down a shoulder), but no nudity is depicted. Other scenes include…

How violent is A United Kingdom?

Violence is infrequent and not graphic. There is a brief boxing scene at the beginning without injury detail. In another scene, a couple is accosted on the street, leading to a short fistfight where a woman is accidentally hit and gets a bloody nose. Later…

Is the language in A United Kingdom appropriate for kids?

The film contains occasional profanity and some strong racial slurs which are central to the theme of racism. The 'n-word' is used, as is a term like "black bastard." Milder language includes uses of "hell" and "damned."

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in A United Kingdom?

Substance use is mild and incidental, mostly serving to establish the historical period. Characters are seen smoking cigarettes socially in several scenes. Alcohol is consumed in social settings, such as meetings and bars, with characters drinking beer and…

What mature themes appear in A United Kingdom?

The film's primary focus is on strong themes of systemic racism, colonialism, and political injustice. The story explicitly deals with the cruelty of apartheid policies, shows characters facing intense prejudice and racist verbal abuse, and involves political…

How long is A United Kingdom?

A United Kingdom runs 111 minutes, directed by Amma Asante, released in 2016.

Where can I read the full A United Kingdom parent guide?

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