Poster for American Factory

American Factory (2019) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese billionaire opens a new factory in the husk of an abandoned General Motors plant, hiring two thousand blue-collar Americans. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America.

Rated NR • 2019 • 1h 50m

Age
13+

American Factory is an unrated documentary that explores complex adult themes suited for teens and older viewers. The film chronicles the cultural and economic clashes that arise when a Chinese billionaire opens a factory in a former GM plant in Ohio. Its content is equivalent to a PG-13 rating, primarily for infrequent but strong language, including at least one f-bomb during a heated moment. The film's core focus is on mature… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

J'
Junming 'Jimmy' Wang
Sherrod Brown
Sherrod Brown
DB
Dave Burrows
JG
John Gauthier
RH
Rob Haerr
CH
Cynthia Harper
WH
Wong He
JL
Jill Lamantia
JD
Jeff Daochuan Liu
SR
Shawnea Rosser
RR
Rebecca Ruan-O'Shaughnessy
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Is American Factory appropriate for kids?

American Factory is an unrated documentary that explores complex adult themes suited for teens and older viewers. The film chronicles the cultural and economic clashes that arise when a Chinese billionaire opens a factory in a former GM plant in Ohio. Its content is equivalent… Read more — free account

Content severity in American Factory

Sex None 0/10
Violence Moderate 3/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in American Factory, moment by moment

  1. 0:06 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  3. 0:24 💬 Language 4/10
Unlock all 12 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in American Factory

None. Sexual content, nudity, and innuendo are entirely absent from this documentary.

Violence and gore in American Factory

Violence is not a factor. The film's conflicts are verbal and ideological. There are discussions about the physical dangers of factory work, such as handling large pieces of glass, and a brief mention of a worker getting cut, but no graphic injuries are shown. The overall tone is one of industrial process and human drama, not physical conflict.

Language in American Factory

Language is infrequent but includes some strong profanity reflective of a genuine workplace environment under stress. There are uses of "shit," "hell," and "damn." At least one use of "f--k" is present during a tense discussion among workers, which is the primary driver for a higher age suggestion.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in American Factory

None. There is no depiction of smoking, drinking, or illicit drug use.

Mature themes in American Factory

The film is centered on mature and complex themes. It provides an unflinching look at the human cost of globalization, the stark cultural differences in work ethic and labor expectations, and the contentious fight for unionization. Themes of worker precarity, corporate surveillance, and the threat of automation replacing human jobs are central to the narrative and presented with significant emotional weight.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Factory appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests American Factory is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. American Factory is an unrated documentary that explores complex adult themes suited for teens and older viewers. The film chronicles the cultural and economic clashes that arise when a Chinese billionaire opens a…

What age rating does American Factory have?

American Factory is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is American Factory about?

American Factory is an unrated documentary that explores complex adult themes suited for teens and older viewers. The film chronicles the cultural and economic clashes that arise when a Chinese billionaire opens a factory in a former GM plant in Ohio. Its content is equivalent to a PG-13 rating, primarily for…

Is there sex or nudity in American Factory?

None. Sexual content, nudity, and innuendo are entirely absent from this documentary.

How violent is American Factory?

Violence is not a factor. The film's conflicts are verbal and ideological. There are discussions about the physical dangers of factory work, such as handling large pieces of glass, and a brief mention of a worker getting cut, but no graphic injuries are…

Is the language in American Factory appropriate for kids?

Language is infrequent but includes some strong profanity reflective of a genuine workplace environment under stress. There are uses of "shit," "hell," and "damn." At least one use of "f--k" is present during a tense discussion among workers, which is the…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in American Factory?

None. There is no depiction of smoking, drinking, or illicit drug use.

What mature themes appear in American Factory?

The film is centered on mature and complex themes. It provides an unflinching look at the human cost of globalization, the stark cultural differences in work ethic and labor expectations, and the contentious fight for unionization. Themes of worker precarity…

How long is American Factory?

American Factory runs 110 minutes, directed by Julia Reichert, Steven Bognar, released in 2019.

Where can I read the full American Factory parent guide?

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