Anywhere but Here (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Single mother Adele August is bad with money, and even worse when it comes to making decisions. Her straight-laced daughter, Ann, is a successful high school student with Ivy League aspirations. When Adele decides to pack up and move the two of them from the Midwest to Beverly Hills, Calif., to pursue her dreams of Hollywood success, Ann grows frustrated with her mother's irresponsible and impulsive ways.
Rated PG-13 • 1999 • 1h 54m
This PG-13 coming-of-age drama focuses on the turbulent relationship between the impulsive, irresponsible Adele and her grounded teenage daughter, Ann. The film earned its rating primarily for its mature themes and sex-related material. Parents should be aware of frequent arguments, discussions about sex and losing one's virginity, an off-screen death of a major character that is central to the plot, and recurring substance use… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Anywhere but Here appropriate for kids?
This PG-13 coming-of-age drama focuses on the turbulent relationship between the impulsive, irresponsible Adele and her grounded teenage daughter, Ann. The film earned its rating primarily for its mature themes and sex-related material. Parents should be aware of frequent… Read more — free account
Content severity in Anywhere but Here
What happens in Anywhere but Here, moment by moment
- 0:10 🍷 Substances 3/10
- 0:18 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:26 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
Sex and nudity in Anywhere but Here
Sex-related content is moderate and primarily verbal. The plot involves a teenage girl, Ann, planning to lose her virginity, and she has frank discussions with her mother and cousin about sex and puberty. Adele has an affair with a man, which is implied but not shown graphically. In one scene, Ann directs a boy to strip to his boxers for an acting exercise; in another, she views a photo of a friend in her underwear. There is no nudity.
Violence and gore in Anywhere but Here
Violence is almost entirely absent. In one scene, during a heated argument at a funeral, a character slaps another character across the face. The moment is brief and not depicted as a serious assault.
Language in Anywhere but Here
Some profanity is used throughout the film, consistent with its PG-13 rating. Language includes uses of "sh*t", "ass", "damn", "goddamn", and "bastard", often during arguments or moments of emotional distress.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Anywhere but Here
Substance use is moderate and recurring. The mother, Adele, frequently smokes cigarettes and drinks wine, sometimes alone. At a funeral reception, a character is visibly drunk and acts belligerently. In a moment of stress, the teenage protagonist is also shown smoking a cigarette.
Mature themes in Anywhere but Here
The film's core deals with significant mature themes, including a deeply dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship characterized by financial instability and emotional manipulation. The plot also involves parental abandonment, as Ann attempts to contact her estranged father. The sudden, off-screen death of a young family member is a key event, and the subsequent grief and family tension are major emotional arcs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anywhere but Here appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Anywhere but Here is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This PG-13 coming-of-age drama focuses on the turbulent relationship between the impulsive, irresponsible Adele and her grounded teenage daughter, Ann. The film earned its rating primarily for its mature themes and…
What age rating does Anywhere but Here have?
Anywhere but Here is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Anywhere but Here about?
This PG-13 coming-of-age drama focuses on the turbulent relationship between the impulsive, irresponsible Adele and her grounded teenage daughter, Ann. The film earned its rating primarily for its mature themes and sex-related material. Parents should be aware of frequent arguments, discussions about sex and losing…
Is there sex or nudity in Anywhere but Here?
Sex-related content is moderate and primarily verbal. The plot involves a teenage girl, Ann, planning to lose her virginity, and she has frank discussions with her mother and cousin about sex and puberty. Adele has an affair with a man, which is implied but…
How violent is Anywhere but Here?
Violence is almost entirely absent. In one scene, during a heated argument at a funeral, a character slaps another character across the face. The moment is brief and not depicted as a serious assault.
Is the language in Anywhere but Here appropriate for kids?
Some profanity is used throughout the film, consistent with its PG-13 rating. Language includes uses of "sh*t", "ass", "damn", "goddamn", and "bastard", often during arguments or moments of emotional distress.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Anywhere but Here?
Substance use is moderate and recurring. The mother, Adele, frequently smokes cigarettes and drinks wine, sometimes alone. At a funeral reception, a character is visibly drunk and acts belligerently. In a moment of stress, the teenage protagonist is also…
What mature themes appear in Anywhere but Here?
The film's core deals with significant mature themes, including a deeply dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship characterized by financial instability and emotional manipulation. The plot also involves parental abandonment, as Ann attempts to contact her…
How long is Anywhere but Here?
Anywhere but Here runs 114 minutes, directed by Wayne Wang, released in 1999.
Where can I read the full Anywhere but Here parent guide?
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