Poster for Be Kind Rewind

Be Kind Rewind (2008) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A man whose brain becomes magnetized unintentionally destroys every tape in his friend's video store. In order to satisfy the store's most loyal renter, an aging woman with signs of dementia, the two men set out to remake the lost films.

Rated PG-13 • 2008 • 1h 42m

6.3
1K+
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Age
13+

Michel Gondry's "Be Kind Rewind" is a quirky comedy that earns its PG-13 rating almost entirely for verbal content. The film follows video store clerk Mike and his friend Jerry, who, after accidentally erasing their store's entire inventory, set out to remake famous movies themselves. The primary content for parents to be aware of is a handful of sexual references and innuendo, some of which are crude. There is also occasional mild… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Jack Black
Jack Black
Yasiin Bey
Yasiin Bey
Danny Glover
Danny Glover
Mia Farrow
Mia Farrow
Melonie Díaz
Melonie Díaz
IG
Irv Gooch
Chandler Parker
Chandler Parker
Arjay Smith
Arjay Smith
Marcus Carl Franklin
Marcus Carl Franklin
Blake Hightower
Blake Hightower
Amir Ali Said
Amir Ali Said
Paul Dinello
Paul Dinello
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Is Be Kind Rewind appropriate for kids?

Michel Gondry's "Be Kind Rewind" is a quirky comedy that earns its PG-13 rating almost entirely for verbal content. The film follows video store clerk Mike and his friend Jerry, who, after accidentally erasing their store's entire inventory, set out to remake famous movies… Read more — free account

Content severity in Be Kind Rewind

Sex Strong 6/10
Violence Moderate 4/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in Be Kind Rewind, moment by moment

  1. 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  2. 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
  3. 0:20 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Unlock all 14 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Be Kind Rewind

The film's PG-13 rating is for 'some sexual references.' There are several instances of moderate innuendo and dialogue. In one scene, a character crudely describes 'balls slapping.' Other moments include a joke about having an 'interracial, homosexual' relationship, a mention of the 'hardcore porn' section of a video store, and a character asking another (who is dressed as a woman) if he is menstruating. There is no nudity or depicted sexual activity.

Violence and gore in Be Kind Rewind

Violence is very mild and always played for slapstick comedy. In an early scene, Jerry gets comically electrocuted while trying to sabotage a power plant, causing him to float and get tangled in wires. The homemade 'sweded' films contain clumsy, low-budget reenactments of fight scenes and action sequences, which are silly rather than intense. There is no blood, gore, or serious injury.

Language in Be Kind Rewind

Language is mild for a PG-13 film. There are a couple uses of 'shit,' plus scattered uses of 'ass,' 'bitch,' 'damn,' and 'hell.' The profanity is infrequent and not used aggressively.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Be Kind Rewind

Substance use is light. The video store owner, Mr. Fletcher, is seen drinking beer casually on occasion. During the filming of their final movie, characters are shown with fake cigars and cigarettes as props to portray jazz musician Fats Waller, but no one is actually smoking.

Mature themes in Be Kind Rewind

The film explores themes of community, nostalgia for analog technology, and the struggle of small businesses. One of the main characters, Jerry, exhibits paranoid behaviors and believes in conspiracies, which are treated with a comedic and gentle touch. An elderly character shows signs of memory loss. The characters also engage in lying and copyright infringement, though it's portrayed as a creative and well-intentioned effort to save their store.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Be Kind Rewind appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Be Kind Rewind is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Michel Gondry's "Be Kind Rewind" is a quirky comedy that earns its PG-13 rating almost entirely for verbal content. The film follows video store clerk Mike and his friend Jerry, who, after accidentally erasing their…

What age rating does Be Kind Rewind have?

Be Kind Rewind is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Be Kind Rewind about?

Michel Gondry's "Be Kind Rewind" is a quirky comedy that earns its PG-13 rating almost entirely for verbal content. The film follows video store clerk Mike and his friend Jerry, who, after accidentally erasing their store's entire inventory, set out to remake famous movies themselves. The primary content for parents…

Is there sex or nudity in Be Kind Rewind?

The film's PG-13 rating is for 'some sexual references.' There are several instances of moderate innuendo and dialogue. In one scene, a character crudely describes 'balls slapping.' Other moments include a joke about having an 'interracial, homosexual'…

How violent is Be Kind Rewind?

Violence is very mild and always played for slapstick comedy. In an early scene, Jerry gets comically electrocuted while trying to sabotage a power plant, causing him to float and get tangled in wires. The homemade 'sweded' films contain clumsy, low-budget…

Is the language in Be Kind Rewind appropriate for kids?

Language is mild for a PG-13 film. There are a couple uses of 'shit,' plus scattered uses of 'ass,' 'bitch,' 'damn,' and 'hell.' The profanity is infrequent and not used aggressively.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Be Kind Rewind?

Substance use is light. The video store owner, Mr. Fletcher, is seen drinking beer casually on occasion. During the filming of their final movie, characters are shown with fake cigars and cigarettes as props to portray jazz musician Fats Waller, but no one is…

What mature themes appear in Be Kind Rewind?

The film explores themes of community, nostalgia for analog technology, and the struggle of small businesses. One of the main characters, Jerry, exhibits paranoid behaviors and believes in conspiracies, which are treated with a comedic and gentle touch. An…

How long is Be Kind Rewind?

Be Kind Rewind runs 102 minutes, directed by Michel Gondry, released in 2008.

Where can I read the full Be Kind Rewind parent guide?

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