Poster for Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace (2006) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The true story of William Wilberforce and his courageous quest to end the British slave trade. Along the way, Wilberforce meets intense opposition, but his minister urges him to see the cause through.

Rated PG • 2006 • 1h 57m

6.9
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
10+

Amazing Grace is a historically grounded, PG-rated drama about William Wilberforce's long political campaign to end the British slave trade. Parents should be aware of recurring mature themes (enslavement, deaths, political defeat), brief but frank discussion of sexual abuse of female slaves, mild profanity and racial slurs in period context, and on-screen laudanum (opium) use and dependence by Wilberforce. Violence is not graphic but… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Ioan Gruffudd
Ioan Gruffudd
Romola Garai
Romola Garai
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch
Albert Finney
Albert Finney
Michael Gambon
Michael Gambon
Rufus Sewell
Rufus Sewell
Youssou N'Dour
Youssou N'Dour
Ciarán Hinds
Ciarán Hinds
Toby Jones
Toby Jones
Nicholas Farrell
Nicholas Farrell
Sylvestra Le Touzel
Sylvestra Le Touzel
Jeremy Swift
Jeremy Swift
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Is Amazing Grace appropriate for kids?

Amazing Grace is a historically grounded, PG-rated drama about William Wilberforce's long political campaign to end the British slave trade. Parents should be aware of recurring mature themes (enslavement, deaths, political defeat), brief but frank discussion of sexual abuse of… Read more — free account

Content severity in Amazing Grace

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Moderate 3/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Moderate 3/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Amazing Grace, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 🍷 Substances 3/10
  2. 0:12 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
  3. 0:18 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
Unlock all 16 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Amazing Grace

Mild and non-graphic. The film includes references to female slaves being raped on ships (discussed rather than shown), a social scene where men kiss women's necks/cleavage, women in low-cut dresses, and offhand references to politicians paying for prostitutes. Nothing explicit or nudity-heavy is displayed, but the subject matter is adult and may warrant discussion.

Violence and gore in Amazing Grace

Brief and non-graphic. There are a few unsettling images — shackled enslaved people, rough handling during captures, and a dream/nightmare in which a slave appears to be consumed by fire. Physical mistreatment is implied in scenes of the slave trade rather than shown as prolonged on-screen brutality.

Language in Amazing Grace

Mild period-language and a few profanities. Characters sometimes use racist language in debates and several audible swears appear (examples include 'bloody', 'ass' and 'bollocks') delivered in angry parliamentary exchanges. The language is authentic to the historical setting but not pervasive.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Amazing Grace

Mild but notable. Several scenes show drinking and pipe smoking; most important is Wilberforce's prescribed laudanum (an opium-based painkiller), his dependence on it, and brief sequences of its use and effects. The portrayals are realistic and may prompt conversation about historical medical practices and addiction.

Mature themes in Amazing Grace

Moderate and recurring. The film grapples directly with slavery, racial injustice, moral guilt (John Newton's past), death, political defeat and long-term activism. These themes are treated seriously — sometimes with emotionally intense testimonials (Olaudah Equiano) and scenes of human suffering — but without graphic depictions. The story also covers chronic illness and the emotional toll of prolonged public failure.

Scary moments in Amazing Grace

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Amazing Grace yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amazing Grace appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Amazing Grace is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Amazing Grace is a historically grounded, PG-rated drama about William Wilberforce's long political campaign to end the British slave trade. Parents should be aware of recurring mature themes (enslavement, deaths…

What age rating does Amazing Grace have?

Amazing Grace is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Amazing Grace about?

Amazing Grace is a historically grounded, PG-rated drama about William Wilberforce's long political campaign to end the British slave trade. Parents should be aware of recurring mature themes (enslavement, deaths, political defeat), brief but frank discussion of sexual abuse of female slaves, mild profanity and racial…

Is there sex or nudity in Amazing Grace?

Mild and non-graphic. The film includes references to female slaves being raped on ships (discussed rather than shown), a social scene where men kiss women's necks/cleavage, women in low-cut dresses, and offhand references to politicians paying for…

How violent is Amazing Grace?

Brief and non-graphic. There are a few unsettling images — shackled enslaved people, rough handling during captures, and a dream/nightmare in which a slave appears to be consumed by fire. Physical mistreatment is implied in scenes of the slave trade rather…

Is the language in Amazing Grace appropriate for kids?

Mild period-language and a few profanities. Characters sometimes use racist language in debates and several audible swears appear (examples include 'bloody', 'ass' and 'bollocks') delivered in angry parliamentary exchanges. The language is authentic to the…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Amazing Grace?

Mild but notable. Several scenes show drinking and pipe smoking; most important is Wilberforce's prescribed laudanum (an opium-based painkiller), his dependence on it, and brief sequences of its use and effects. The portrayals are realistic and may prompt…

What mature themes appear in Amazing Grace?

Moderate and recurring. The film grapples directly with slavery, racial injustice, moral guilt (John Newton's past), death, political defeat and long-term activism. These themes are treated seriously — sometimes with emotionally intense testimonials (Olaudah…

How long is Amazing Grace?

Amazing Grace runs 117 minutes, directed by Michael Apted, released in 2006.

Where can I read the full Amazing Grace parent guide?

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