Bowling for Columbine (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
This is not a film about gun control. It is a film about the fearful heart and soul of the United States, and the 280 million Americans lucky enough to have the right to a constitutionally protected Uzi. From a look at the Columbine High School security camera tapes to the home of Oscar-winning NRA President Charlton Heston, from a young man who makes homemade napalm with The Anarchist's Cookbook to the murder of a six-year-old girl by another six-year-old. Bowling for Columbine is a journey through the US, through our past, hoping… Sign up for the full guide
Rated R • 2002 • 2h 0m
This R-rated documentary explores the causes of gun violence in America, using the Columbine High School massacre as a centerpiece. The film's rating is primarily due to its use of extremely graphic and disturbing real-world archival footage, including scenes of actual murder, suicide, and the aftermath of violent events. The content is thematically intense and emotionally distressing, dealing directly with mass shootings, child death… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Bowling for Columbine appropriate for kids?
This R-rated documentary explores the causes of gun violence in America, using the Columbine High School massacre as a centerpiece. The film's rating is primarily due to its use of extremely graphic and disturbing real-world archival footage, including scenes of actual murder… Read more — free account
Content severity in Bowling for Columbine
What happens in Bowling for Columbine, moment by moment
- 0:03 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:11 🔥 Mature Themes 8/10
- 0:22 ♥ Sex & Nudity 1/10
Sex and nudity in Bowling for Columbine
Sexual content is brief and very mild. There is a brief shot of the cover of a Marilyn Manson album which depicts artistic, non-graphic nudity. A calendar with women in swimsuits is also briefly visible. These moments are fleeting and not the focus.
Violence and gore in Bowling for Columbine
Pervasive and severe. The film is built around documentary footage of real-world violence and its aftermath. This includes extensive, disturbing security camera footage from inside Columbine High School during the massacre. There is a rapid-fire montage of archival news footage showing political assassinations, war atrocities (including a summary execution in Vietnam), and riots. Most graphically, the film includes uncensored footage of a real person's public suicide via a handgun to the mouth.
Language in Bowling for Columbine
Moderate. The film contains approximately 5 uses of "fuck". Other profanity includes "shit", "dick", and "bastard". The homophobic slur "fag" is also used multiple times by an interview subject who is condemning its use.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Bowling for Columbine
Essentially absent. One person is seen smoking a cigarette during an interview, but there is no other depiction of alcohol or drug use.
Mature themes in Bowling for Columbine
Severe and central to the film. The documentary is an intense exploration of death, mass murder, school shootings, and societal fear. It features harrowing 911 calls from school shootings, including one involving a six-year-old victim. There are emotional and difficult interviews with survivors of the Columbine shooting and other victims of violence. The film relentlessly examines the psychological and cultural roots of violence, which may be deeply disturbing for many viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowling for Columbine appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Bowling for Columbine is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. This R-rated documentary explores the causes of gun violence in America, using the Columbine High School massacre as a centerpiece. The film's rating is primarily due to its use of extremely graphic and disturbing…
What age rating does Bowling for Columbine have?
Bowling for Columbine is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Bowling for Columbine about?
This R-rated documentary explores the causes of gun violence in America, using the Columbine High School massacre as a centerpiece. The film's rating is primarily due to its use of extremely graphic and disturbing real-world archival footage, including scenes of actual murder, suicide, and the aftermath of violent…
Is there sex or nudity in Bowling for Columbine?
Sexual content is brief and very mild. There is a brief shot of the cover of a Marilyn Manson album which depicts artistic, non-graphic nudity. A calendar with women in swimsuits is also briefly visible. These moments are fleeting and not the focus.
How violent is Bowling for Columbine?
Pervasive and severe. The film is built around documentary footage of real-world violence and its aftermath. This includes extensive, disturbing security camera footage from inside Columbine High School during the massacre. There is a rapid-fire montage of…
Is the language in Bowling for Columbine appropriate for kids?
Moderate. The film contains approximately 5 uses of "fuck". Other profanity includes "shit", "dick", and "bastard". The homophobic slur "fag" is also used multiple times by an interview subject who is condemning its use.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Bowling for Columbine?
Essentially absent. One person is seen smoking a cigarette during an interview, but there is no other depiction of alcohol or drug use.
What mature themes appear in Bowling for Columbine?
Severe and central to the film. The documentary is an intense exploration of death, mass murder, school shootings, and societal fear. It features harrowing 911 calls from school shootings, including one involving a six-year-old victim. There are emotional and…
How long is Bowling for Columbine?
Bowling for Columbine runs 120 minutes, directed by Michael Moore, released in 2002.
Where can I read the full Bowling for Columbine 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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