Poster for Brokeback Mountain

Brokeback Mountain (2005) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In 1960s Wyoming, two men develop a strong emotional and sexual relationship that endures as a lifelong connection complicating their lives as they get married and start families of their own.

Rated R • 2005 • 2h 14m

7.8
5K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

This film's R rating is for strong sexuality, nudity, language, and some violence. It tells the story of a secret, decades-long romance between two cowboys, and parents should be aware of its mature and emotionally intense content. There are several sexual scenes, including one that is rough and forceful, though with limited nudity. Violence is sporadic but includes two brief, brutal, and graphic moments involving a hate crime. The… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Heath Ledger
Heath Ledger
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway
Randy Quaid
Randy Quaid
Linda Cardellini
Linda Cardellini
Anna Faris
Anna Faris
David Harbour
David Harbour
Roberta Maxwell
Roberta Maxwell
Kate Mara
Kate Mara
Peter McRobbie
Peter McRobbie
Graham Beckel
Graham Beckel
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Is Brokeback Mountain appropriate for kids?

This film's R rating is for strong sexuality, nudity, language, and some violence. It tells the story of a secret, decades-long romance between two cowboys, and parents should be aware of its mature and emotionally intense content. There are several sexual scenes, including one… Read more — free account

Content severity in Brokeback Mountain

Sex Intense 8/10
Violence Intense 9/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Moderate 4/10
Themes Intense 9/10

What happens in Brokeback Mountain, moment by moment

  1. 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
  2. 0:25 🍷 Substances 4/10
  3. 0:26 ♥ Sex & Nudity 8/10
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Sex and nudity in Brokeback Mountain

Strong sexual content is central to the story. The first sexual encounter between the two male leads is depicted as rough and intense, though without graphic nudity. There are several other scenes involving passionate kissing, implied sex, and nudity between both same-sex and opposite-sex couples; these include visibility of female breasts and male buttocks. The focus is more on the emotional weight and secrecy of the encounters than on graphic depiction.

Violence and gore in Brokeback Mountain

Violence is sporadic but includes brief, brutal, and graphic scenes. A key flashback sequence shows the mutilated corpse of a man who was the victim of a homophobic hate crime. Later, a character has a brief, graphic vision of another man being bludgeoned to death with a tire iron. Other violence includes several brawls where men punch each other, resulting in bloody faces, and a tense scene where a man physically threatens his wife.

Language in Brokeback Mountain

Pervasive strong language is used throughout, consistent with the R rating. There are over 20 uses of "fuck," as well as multiple instances of "shit," "asshole," "son of a bitch," and "Goddamn." Homophobic slurs are also used in a derogatory context.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Brokeback Mountain

Characters frequently drink beer and whiskey throughout the film, often in social settings like bars or around a campfire. Some scenes depict drinking to the point of heavy intoxication, which precedes a key plot event. Several characters also smoke cigarettes.

Mature themes in Brokeback Mountain

The film is built on pervasive and intense mature themes. The central themes are forbidden love, repressed identity, and the devastating personal and societal consequences of homophobia. The story unflinchingly explores infidelity, the breakdown of marriages, deep-seated loneliness, and profound, lifelong grief. A graphic depiction of a hate crime's victim is a foundational element of one character's trauma and fear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brokeback Mountain appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Brokeback Mountain is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. This film's R rating is for strong sexuality, nudity, language, and some violence. It tells the story of a secret, decades-long romance between two cowboys, and parents should be aware of its mature and emotionally…

What age rating does Brokeback Mountain have?

Brokeback Mountain is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.

What is Brokeback Mountain about?

This film's R rating is for strong sexuality, nudity, language, and some violence. It tells the story of a secret, decades-long romance between two cowboys, and parents should be aware of its mature and emotionally intense content. There are several sexual scenes, including one that is rough and forceful, though with…

Is there sex or nudity in Brokeback Mountain?

Strong sexual content is central to the story. The first sexual encounter between the two male leads is depicted as rough and intense, though without graphic nudity. There are several other scenes involving passionate kissing, implied sex, and nudity between…

How violent is Brokeback Mountain?

Violence is sporadic but includes brief, brutal, and graphic scenes. A key flashback sequence shows the mutilated corpse of a man who was the victim of a homophobic hate crime. Later, a character has a brief, graphic vision of another man being bludgeoned to…

Is the language in Brokeback Mountain appropriate for kids?

Pervasive strong language is used throughout, consistent with the R rating. There are over 20 uses of "fuck," as well as multiple instances of "shit," "asshole," "son of a bitch," and "Goddamn." Homophobic slurs are also used in a derogatory context.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Brokeback Mountain?

Characters frequently drink beer and whiskey throughout the film, often in social settings like bars or around a campfire. Some scenes depict drinking to the point of heavy intoxication, which precedes a key plot event. Several characters also smoke…

What mature themes appear in Brokeback Mountain?

The film is built on pervasive and intense mature themes. The central themes are forbidden love, repressed identity, and the devastating personal and societal consequences of homophobia. The story unflinchingly explores infidelity, the breakdown of marriages…

How long is Brokeback Mountain?

Brokeback Mountain runs 134 minutes, directed by Ang Lee, released in 2005.

Where can I read the full Brokeback Mountain parent guide?

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