Born to Be Blue (2015) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Jazz legend Chet Baker finds love and redemption when he stars in a movie about his own troubled life to mount a comeback.
Rated 12 • 2015 • 1h 37m
Born to Be Blue is an R‑rated (US) biographical drama about jazz trumpeter Chet Baker (portrayed by Ethan Hawke) that deals bluntly with addiction, violence and adult sexuality. Parents should expect on‑screen heroin use and its consequences, a fairly graphic pistol‑whipping that breaks teeth and several upsetting bloodied images, plus an intimate, hazily edited sex scene. The film also contains frequent strong language and scenes of… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Born to Be Blue appropriate for kids?
Born to Be Blue is an R‑rated (US) biographical drama about jazz trumpeter Chet Baker (portrayed by Ethan Hawke) that deals bluntly with addiction, violence and adult sexuality. Parents should expect on‑screen heroin use and its consequences, a fairly graphic pistol‑whipping… Read more — free account
Content severity in Born to Be Blue
What happens in Born to Be Blue, moment by moment
- 0:10 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:12 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:15 💬 Language 6/10
Sex and nudity in Born to Be Blue
Moderate sexual content: a hazily edited, intimate sex sequence (waist up, implied oral sex and thrusting) appears as part of the film's more adult, romantic interludes. There are other brief sexual moments — a wide‑shot kiss in a van and a scene showing a woman reclining in a lacy bra with visible cleavage. Occasional sexual references and innuendo appear in dialogue.
Violence and gore in Born to Be Blue
Strong and at times graphic: the film includes a brutal pistol‑whipping that knocks out teeth and sprays blood, and other upsetting images of injury and blood loss. A surreal/biopic sequence shows Baker trying to play with missing teeth and blood washing into a bathtub. There are also smaller acts of property violence (broken glass) and physical confrontations — these are emotionally intense rather than prolonged action set pieces.
Language in Born to Be Blue
Frequent strong profanity throughout, including multiple uses of the f‑word and many uses of "shit," along with occasional insults like "son of a bitch." Some swearing occurs in sexual or heated contexts. Expect casual coarse language in many scenes.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Born to Be Blue
Strong depiction of drug and alcohol use: on‑screen heroin injection (and its immediate aftermath) is shown, and addiction is a recurring plot element. The film also depicts regular cigarette smoking, occasional joints, and scenes of heavy social drinking. The consequences of substance abuse (overdose/oddball bloody aftermath scenes) are shown and play into the emotional tone.
Mature themes in Born to Be Blue
Strong adult themes: addiction, relapse and recovery are central, along with career decline, identity and the destructive effects of fame. The film also touches on loneliness, strained relationships and grief; these are handled in a sober, sometimes bleak way. These themes are emotionally heavy rather than abstract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Born to Be Blue appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Born to Be Blue is best for ages 13+. It's rated 12. Born to Be Blue is an R‑rated (US) biographical drama about jazz trumpeter Chet Baker (portrayed by Ethan Hawke) that deals bluntly with addiction, violence and adult sexuality. Parents should expect on‑screen heroin…
What age rating does Born to Be Blue have?
Born to Be Blue is officially rated 12. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Born to Be Blue about?
Born to Be Blue is an R‑rated (US) biographical drama about jazz trumpeter Chet Baker (portrayed by Ethan Hawke) that deals bluntly with addiction, violence and adult sexuality. Parents should expect on‑screen heroin use and its consequences, a fairly graphic pistol‑whipping that breaks teeth and several upsetting…
Is there sex or nudity in Born to Be Blue?
Moderate sexual content: a hazily edited, intimate sex sequence (waist up, implied oral sex and thrusting) appears as part of the film's more adult, romantic interludes. There are other brief sexual moments — a wide‑shot kiss in a van and a scene showing a…
How violent is Born to Be Blue?
Strong and at times graphic: the film includes a brutal pistol‑whipping that knocks out teeth and sprays blood, and other upsetting images of injury and blood loss. A surreal/biopic sequence shows Baker trying to play with missing teeth and blood washing into…
Is the language in Born to Be Blue appropriate for kids?
Frequent strong profanity throughout, including multiple uses of the f‑word and many uses of "shit," along with occasional insults like "son of a bitch." Some swearing occurs in sexual or heated contexts. Expect casual coarse language in many scenes.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Born to Be Blue?
Strong depiction of drug and alcohol use: on‑screen heroin injection (and its immediate aftermath) is shown, and addiction is a recurring plot element. The film also depicts regular cigarette smoking, occasional joints, and scenes of heavy social drinking…
What mature themes appear in Born to Be Blue?
Strong adult themes: addiction, relapse and recovery are central, along with career decline, identity and the destructive effects of fame. The film also touches on loneliness, strained relationships and grief; these are handled in a sober, sometimes bleak…
How long is Born to Be Blue?
Born to Be Blue runs 97 minutes, directed by Robert Budreau, released in 2015.
Where can I read the full Born to Be Blue parent guide?
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