Absence of Malice (1981) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Megan Carter is a reporter duped into running an untrue story on Michael Gallagher, a suspected racketeer. He has an alibi for the time his crime was allegedly committed—but it involves an innocent party. When he tells Carter the truth and the newspaper runs it, tragedy follows, forcing Carter to face up to the responsibilities of her job when she is confronted by Gallagher.
Rated PG • 1981 • 1h 56m
A federal agent leaks information to a reporter about an innocent businessman to pressure him — and the story ruins his life. Paul Newman and Sally Field. PG rating covers adult content and the film's moral complexity.
Cast
Is Absence of Malice appropriate for kids?
A federal agent leaks information to a reporter about an innocent businessman to pressure him — and the story ruins his life. Paul Newman and Sally Field. PG rating covers adult content and the film's moral complexity. Read more — free account
Content severity in Absence of Malice
What happens in Absence of Malice, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:18 💬 Language 3/10
- 0:42 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in Absence of Malice
A romantic relationship between the reporter and her source — the film's ethical problem.
Violence and gore in Absence of Malice
The film contains essentially no physical violence or graphic gore, aligning with its rating as a cerebral legal drama. The narrative tension is driven by psychological and legal stakes rather than physical confrontation. While there is mention of a past criminal disappearance, the onscreen action remains entirely bloodless.
Language in Absence of Malice
The film features moderate profanity that is consistent with a mature PG-rated drama from the early 1980s. Viewers will hear several uses of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'son of a bitch,' along with one notably sharp use of the word 'bastard.' The dialogue reflects the gritty, high-pressure environments of newsrooms and federal investigation offices.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Absence of Malice
There is no significant focus on drug use or substance abuse throughout the story. While characters may be seen in social settings where alcohol is present, it is not a focal point of the plot or character development. Smoking is occasionally visible in the background, typical for the period's setting, but it is never highlighted as a thematic concern.
Mature themes in Absence of Malice
A film about journalism's power to destroy without accountability — published truth that ruins innocent people. The reporter's complicity in state manipulation. Paul Newman's quiet devastation throughout. Still one of cinema's sharpest examinations of press responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Absence of Malice appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Absence of Malice is best for ages 14+. It's rated PG. A federal agent leaks information to a reporter about an innocent businessman to pressure him — and the story ruins his life. Paul Newman and Sally Field. PG rating covers adult content and the film's moral complexity.
What age rating does Absence of Malice have?
Absence of Malice is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.
What is Absence of Malice about?
A federal agent leaks information to a reporter about an innocent businessman to pressure him — and the story ruins his life. Paul Newman and Sally Field. PG rating covers adult content and the film's moral complexity.
Is there sex or nudity in Absence of Malice?
A romantic relationship between the reporter and her source — the film's ethical problem.
How violent is Absence of Malice?
The film contains essentially no physical violence or graphic gore, aligning with its rating as a cerebral legal drama. The narrative tension is driven by psychological and legal stakes rather than physical confrontation. While there is mention of a past…
Is the language in Absence of Malice appropriate for kids?
The film features moderate profanity that is consistent with a mature PG-rated drama from the early 1980s. Viewers will hear several uses of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'son of a bitch,' along with one notably sharp use of the word 'bastard.' The dialogue reflects…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Absence of Malice?
There is no significant focus on drug use or substance abuse throughout the story. While characters may be seen in social settings where alcohol is present, it is not a focal point of the plot or character development. Smoking is occasionally visible in the…
What mature themes appear in Absence of Malice?
A film about journalism's power to destroy without accountability — published truth that ruins innocent people. The reporter's complicity in state manipulation. Paul Newman's quiet devastation throughout. Still one of cinema's sharpest examinations of press…
How long is Absence of Malice?
Absence of Malice runs 116 minutes, directed by Sydney Pollack, released in 1981.
Where can I read the full Absence of Malice parent guide?
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