Bogus (1996) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Recently orphaned, a young boy is taken in by his godmother who is shocked to realize that she can see the boy's imaginary friend: a flamboyant, French magician named Bogus.
Rated PG • 1996 • 1h 50m
Bogus is rated PG primarily for its mature thematic elements, which drive the entire story. The film centers on a young boy, Albert, who is suddenly orphaned when his mother is killed in a car accident. To cope with his immense grief, he invents an imaginary friend, the titular Bogus. The film's content concerns revolve almost entirely around the sadness of this loss and scenes of a child in peril; violence, language, and substance use… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Bogus appropriate for kids?
Bogus is rated PG primarily for its mature thematic elements, which drive the entire story. The film centers on a young boy, Albert, who is suddenly orphaned when his mother is killed in a car accident. To cope with his immense grief, he invents an imaginary friend, the titular… Read more — free account
Content severity in Bogus
What happens in Bogus, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:22 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Sex and nudity in Bogus
There is no sexual content, nudity, or innuendo in this film.
Violence and gore in Bogus
Violence is very mild and infrequent. The car crash that kills a main character's mother happens entirely off-screen and is only discussed. There is a brief scene of kids bullying, and another where children playfully tackle an adult at a party, which is chaotic but not malicious. A later scene features significant peril, as a child is shown sleepwalking on a high fire escape and roof, but he is rescued without injury.
Language in Bogus
Language is extremely light and in keeping with its PG rating. Expect little to no profanity beyond perhaps a mild exclamation.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Bogus
Substance use is mentioned but not shown. A key plot point is that Albert's mother was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver. This is discussed but there is no on-screen depiction of drinking or intoxication.
Mature themes in Bogus
Thematic content is the most significant element for parents to consider. The film's entire premise is built on a child's profound grief following the sudden, accidental death of his single mother. Themes of orphanhood, loneliness, abandonment, and the difficulty of forming a new family are central and explored throughout the narrative. The creation of the imaginary friend is presented as a direct coping mechanism for trauma.
Scary moments in Bogus
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Bogus yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bogus appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Bogus is best for ages 9+. It's rated PG. Bogus is rated PG primarily for its mature thematic elements, which drive the entire story. The film centers on a young boy, Albert, who is suddenly orphaned when his mother is killed in a car accident. To cope with his…
What age rating does Bogus have?
Bogus is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 9+.
What is Bogus about?
Bogus is rated PG primarily for its mature thematic elements, which drive the entire story. The film centers on a young boy, Albert, who is suddenly orphaned when his mother is killed in a car accident. To cope with his immense grief, he invents an imaginary friend, the titular Bogus. The film's content concerns…
Is there sex or nudity in Bogus?
There is no sexual content, nudity, or innuendo in this film.
How violent is Bogus?
Violence is very mild and infrequent. The car crash that kills a main character's mother happens entirely off-screen and is only discussed. There is a brief scene of kids bullying, and another where children playfully tackle an adult at a party, which is…
Is the language in Bogus appropriate for kids?
Language is extremely light and in keeping with its PG rating. Expect little to no profanity beyond perhaps a mild exclamation.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Bogus?
Substance use is mentioned but not shown. A key plot point is that Albert's mother was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver. This is discussed but there is no on-screen depiction of drinking or intoxication.
What mature themes appear in Bogus?
Thematic content is the most significant element for parents to consider. The film's entire premise is built on a child's profound grief following the sudden, accidental death of his single mother. Themes of orphanhood, loneliness, abandonment, and the…
How long is Bogus?
Bogus runs 110 minutes, directed by Norman Jewison, released in 1996.
Where can I read the full Bogus parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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