Black Mass (2015) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf.
Rated R • 2015 • 2h 3m
Based on the true story of infamous Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger, Black Mass earns its R rating for frequent and brutal violence, pervasive strong language, and disturbing thematic material. The film depicts numerous cold-blooded murders, including point-blank shootings and a strangulation, often with graphic and bloody results. Language is constant and severe, with over 250 uses of the 'f-word'. The plot also involves the… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Black Mass appropriate for kids?
Based on the true story of infamous Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger, Black Mass earns its R rating for frequent and brutal violence, pervasive strong language, and disturbing thematic material. The film depicts numerous cold-blooded murders, including point-blank shootings… Read more — free account
Content severity in Black Mass
What happens in Black Mass, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:12 💬 Language 8/10
- 0:30 🔥 Mature Themes 8/10
Sex and nudity in Black Mass
Sexual content is minimal and not visually explicit. A married couple kisses and embraces, with the man lifting the woman onto a counter before the scene ends. There are some crude sexual references and innuendo, including Whitey questioning a man about his relationship with an underage girl. A club scene shows women in revealing dresses dancing.
Violence and gore in Black Mass
Violence is frequent, brutal, and often graphic. The film contains numerous murders, including point-blank shootings to the head with blood spray, a man being riddled with bullets, and a man being brutally beaten to death in an alley. One disturbing scene depicts the off-screen strangulation of a young woman, with her choking sounds clearly audible. The violence is realistic, sudden, and portrayed without glamour.
Language in Black Mass
Language is pervasive and extremely strong throughout the film. The 'f-word' is used over 250 times, often in aggressive or casual conversation. Other profanity includes frequent use of 'shit,' 'cock,' 'prick,' 'ass,' and 'goddamn,' as well as some derogatory terms for ethnic groups.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Black Mass
Substance use is constant. Characters frequently drink alcohol in bars, at home, and during meetings, and many characters smoke cigarettes throughout the film. In one brief scene, a character is shown snorting cocaine in a bathroom. There are also verbal references to drug dealing and a character having participated in LSD experiments while in prison.
Mature themes in Black Mass
The film explores dark and mature themes of corruption, betrayal, and remorseless brutality. A major subplot involves the devastating illness (Reye syndrome) and death of a young child, including a parent's decision to remove life support. Systemic corruption within the FBI is a central theme, as are the twisted loyalties and ultimate consequences of a life of crime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Mass appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Black Mass is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Based on the true story of infamous Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger, Black Mass earns its R rating for frequent and brutal violence, pervasive strong language, and disturbing thematic material. The film depicts…
What age rating does Black Mass have?
Black Mass is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Black Mass about?
Based on the true story of infamous Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger, Black Mass earns its R rating for frequent and brutal violence, pervasive strong language, and disturbing thematic material. The film depicts numerous cold-blooded murders, including point-blank shootings and a strangulation, often with graphic…
Is there sex or nudity in Black Mass?
Sexual content is minimal and not visually explicit. A married couple kisses and embraces, with the man lifting the woman onto a counter before the scene ends. There are some crude sexual references and innuendo, including Whitey questioning a man about his…
How violent is Black Mass?
Violence is frequent, brutal, and often graphic. The film contains numerous murders, including point-blank shootings to the head with blood spray, a man being riddled with bullets, and a man being brutally beaten to death in an alley. One disturbing scene…
Is the language in Black Mass appropriate for kids?
Language is pervasive and extremely strong throughout the film. The 'f-word' is used over 250 times, often in aggressive or casual conversation. Other profanity includes frequent use of 'shit,' 'cock,' 'prick,' 'ass,' and 'goddamn,' as well as some derogatory…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Black Mass?
Substance use is constant. Characters frequently drink alcohol in bars, at home, and during meetings, and many characters smoke cigarettes throughout the film. In one brief scene, a character is shown snorting cocaine in a bathroom. There are also verbal…
What mature themes appear in Black Mass?
The film explores dark and mature themes of corruption, betrayal, and remorseless brutality. A major subplot involves the devastating illness (Reye syndrome) and death of a young child, including a parent's decision to remove life support. Systemic corruption…
How long is Black Mass?
Black Mass runs 123 minutes, directed by Scott Cooper, released in 2015.
Where can I read the full Black Mass parent guide?
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