Behind Enemy Lines (2001) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
While flying a routine reconnaissance mission over Bosnia, fighter pilot Lt. Chris Burnett photographs something he wasn't supposed to see and gets shot down behind enemy lines, where he must outrun an army led by a ruthless Serbian general. With time running out and a deadly tracker on his trail, Burnett's commanding officer, Admiral Reigart, decides to risk his career and launch a renegade rescue mission to save his life.
Rated PG-13 • 2001 • 1h 46m
Behind Enemy Lines is a PG-13 war thriller centered on a U.S. Navy pilot, Lt. Chris Burnett, who is shot down and hunted in Bosnia. The film earned its rating primarily for strong, sustained war violence and some profanity. Parents should be aware of intense and frequent firefights, explosions, an on-screen execution (shot from a distance), and a disturbing scene where a character hides in a mass grave. The language includes a single… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Behind Enemy Lines appropriate for kids?
Behind Enemy Lines is a PG-13 war thriller centered on a U.S. Navy pilot, Lt. Chris Burnett, who is shot down and hunted in Bosnia. The film earned its rating primarily for strong, sustained war violence and some profanity. Parents should be aware of intense and frequent… Read more — free account
Content severity in Behind Enemy Lines
What happens in Behind Enemy Lines, moment by moment
- 0:16 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:21 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
- 0:35 🔥 Mature Themes 8/10
Sex and nudity in Behind Enemy Lines
None. There is no sexual content or nudity in the film.
Violence and gore in Behind Enemy Lines
The film contains strong and sustained war violence. A fighter jet is destroyed by missiles, and one of the ejected pilots is summarily executed with a pistol (seen from a distance). There are numerous intense firefights with automatic weapons, explosions, and vehicle crashes. One scene shows blood splattering on a windshield when a driver is shot. In the climax, a character is fatally stabbed in the neck with a flare spike. While intense, the violence generally avoids graphic gore, consistent with its PG-13…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Behind Enemy Lines
The language is moderate but contains one strong expletive. The word "f--k" is used once by a frustrated Admiral Reigart. Other profanity includes multiple uses of "s--t," "goddamn," "asshole," and "son of a bitch," along with religious exclamations like "Jesus Christ."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Behind Enemy Lines
Substance use is mild. Several Serbian soldiers, including the main antagonist sniper Sasha, are shown smoking cigarettes in various scenes throughout the film. There is no depiction of alcohol consumption or illicit drug use.
Mature themes in Behind Enemy Lines
The film deals with strong, mature themes related to the brutality of war. The central plot is driven by the discovery of war crimes, specifically ethnic cleansing. A key scene involves the protagonist falling into and hiding within a mass grave filled with civilian corpses, which is a very disturbing subject. Other major themes include survival against overwhelming odds, loyalty, and the conflict between military orders and moral duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Behind Enemy Lines appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Behind Enemy Lines is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Behind Enemy Lines is a PG-13 war thriller centered on a U.S. Navy pilot, Lt. Chris Burnett, who is shot down and hunted in Bosnia. The film earned its rating primarily for strong, sustained war violence and some…
What age rating does Behind Enemy Lines have?
Behind Enemy Lines is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Behind Enemy Lines about?
Behind Enemy Lines is a PG-13 war thriller centered on a U.S. Navy pilot, Lt. Chris Burnett, who is shot down and hunted in Bosnia. The film earned its rating primarily for strong, sustained war violence and some profanity. Parents should be aware of intense and frequent firefights, explosions, an on-screen execution…
Is there sex or nudity in Behind Enemy Lines?
None. There is no sexual content or nudity in the film.
How violent is Behind Enemy Lines?
The film contains strong and sustained war violence. A fighter jet is destroyed by missiles, and one of the ejected pilots is summarily executed with a pistol (seen from a distance). There are numerous intense firefights with automatic weapons, explosions…
Is the language in Behind Enemy Lines appropriate for kids?
The language is moderate but contains one strong expletive. The word "f--k" is used once by a frustrated Admiral Reigart. Other profanity includes multiple uses of "s--t," "goddamn," "asshole," and "son of a bitch," along with religious exclamations like…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Behind Enemy Lines?
Substance use is mild. Several Serbian soldiers, including the main antagonist sniper Sasha, are shown smoking cigarettes in various scenes throughout the film. There is no depiction of alcohol consumption or illicit drug use.
What mature themes appear in Behind Enemy Lines?
The film deals with strong, mature themes related to the brutality of war. The central plot is driven by the discovery of war crimes, specifically ethnic cleansing. A key scene involves the protagonist falling into and hiding within a mass grave filled with…
How long is Behind Enemy Lines?
Behind Enemy Lines runs 106 minutes, directed by John Moore, released in 2001.
Where can I read the full Behind Enemy Lines parent guide?
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