Captain Phillips (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.
Rated PG-13 • 2013 • 2h 14m
Based on a true story, Captain Phillips is a tense, realistic thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for sustained, life-threatening peril and some bloody violence. The film's intensity builds relentlessly once Somali pirates, led by Muse, hijack a cargo ship commanded by Captain Richard Phillips. Parents should be aware of constant scenes of menace, where characters are held at gunpoint and threatened with death, as well as brief but… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Captain Phillips appropriate for kids?
Based on a true story, Captain Phillips is a tense, realistic thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for sustained, life-threatening peril and some bloody violence. The film's intensity builds relentlessly once Somali pirates, led by Muse, hijack a cargo ship commanded by Captain… Read more — free account
Content severity in Captain Phillips
What happens in Captain Phillips, moment by moment
- 0:25 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:34 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:41 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in Captain Phillips
None. Sexual content is not present in the film.
Violence and gore in Captain Phillips
Violence is strong and realistic, though not gratuitously graphic. The film is built around constant threats with automatic weapons. There are several beatings where Captain Phillips is struck with rifle butts. In one scene, a crew member stabs a pirate's hand with a knife, with a resulting bloody wound. Another character's feet are shown bleeding after he steps on broken glass. The climax features the sudden killing of three characters by sniper fire, depicted with quick, bloody impacts.
Language in Captain Phillips
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. There are a few uses of "shit" and "Goddamn," along with exclamatory uses of "Jesus Christ." Some profanity may also be present in the untranslated or subtitled Somali dialogue but is not prominent.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Captain Phillips
Substance use is present but not a central focus. The Somali pirates are frequently shown chewing khat, a plant-based stimulant, and the waning of its effects contributes to their agitation. Some minor cigarette smoking is also depicted.
Mature themes in Captain Phillips
The primary theme is survival under extreme duress. The film is an intense depiction of a hostage crisis, focusing on the psychological toll it takes on Captain Phillips. His raw shock and trauma are shown in a powerful, unflinching manner at the film's conclusion. The film also briefly touches on the themes of global inequality and poverty as the motivations for piracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Captain Phillips appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Captain Phillips is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Based on a true story, Captain Phillips is a tense, realistic thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for sustained, life-threatening peril and some bloody violence. The film's intensity builds relentlessly once Somali…
What age rating does Captain Phillips have?
Captain Phillips is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Captain Phillips about?
Based on a true story, Captain Phillips is a tense, realistic thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for sustained, life-threatening peril and some bloody violence. The film's intensity builds relentlessly once Somali pirates, led by Muse, hijack a cargo ship commanded by Captain Richard Phillips. Parents should be…
Is there sex or nudity in Captain Phillips?
None. Sexual content is not present in the film.
How violent is Captain Phillips?
Violence is strong and realistic, though not gratuitously graphic. The film is built around constant threats with automatic weapons. There are several beatings where Captain Phillips is struck with rifle butts. In one scene, a crew member stabs a pirate's…
Is the language in Captain Phillips appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. There are a few uses of "shit" and "Goddamn," along with exclamatory uses of "Jesus Christ." Some profanity may also be present in the untranslated or subtitled Somali dialogue but is not prominent.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Captain Phillips?
Substance use is present but not a central focus. The Somali pirates are frequently shown chewing khat, a plant-based stimulant, and the waning of its effects contributes to their agitation. Some minor cigarette smoking is also depicted.
What mature themes appear in Captain Phillips?
The primary theme is survival under extreme duress. The film is an intense depiction of a hostage crisis, focusing on the psychological toll it takes on Captain Phillips. His raw shock and trauma are shown in a powerful, unflinching manner at the film's…
How long is Captain Phillips?
Captain Phillips runs 134 minutes, directed by Paul Greengrass, released in 2013.
Where can I read the full Captain Phillips parent guide?
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