Chinatown (1974) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Private eye Jake Gittes lives off of the murky moral climate of sunbaked, pre-World War II Southern California. Hired by a beautiful socialite to investigate her husband's extra-marital affair, Gittes is swept into a maelstrom of double dealings and deadly deceits, uncovering a web of personal and political scandals that come crashing together.
Rated R • 1974 • 2h 10m
A Los Angeles private detective in the 1930s is hired to investigate infidelity but uncovers a vast conspiracy involving water rights and a wealthy family's terrible secrets. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. One of cinema's greatest films. The R rating covers violence, language, and the film's deeply disturbing revelation.
Cast
Is Chinatown appropriate for kids?
A Los Angeles private detective in the 1930s is hired to investigate infidelity but uncovers a vast conspiracy involving water rights and a wealthy family's terrible secrets. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. One of cinema's greatest films. The R rating covers violence, language… Read more — free account
Content severity in Chinatown
What happens in Chinatown, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:18 💬 Language 5/10
- 0:38 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in Chinatown
A revelation about incest — the film's most disturbing element, handled obliquely.
Violence and gore in Chinatown
A man's nose slit — shown graphically. A woman shot. The violence is sudden and real.
Language in Chinatown
Strong language consistent with R rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Chinatown
None.
Mature themes in Chinatown
The film's ending — in which evil wins completely — is one of cinema's most devastating. Noah Cross's power is absolute and unchallenged. Chinatown as a metaphor for places where good intentions produce bad outcomes. 'Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chinatown appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Chinatown is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. A Los Angeles private detective in the 1930s is hired to investigate infidelity but uncovers a vast conspiracy involving water rights and a wealthy family's terrible secrets. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. One of…
What age rating does Chinatown have?
Chinatown is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Chinatown about?
A Los Angeles private detective in the 1930s is hired to investigate infidelity but uncovers a vast conspiracy involving water rights and a wealthy family's terrible secrets. Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. One of cinema's greatest films. The R rating covers violence, language, and the film's deeply disturbing…
Is there sex or nudity in Chinatown?
A revelation about incest — the film's most disturbing element, handled obliquely.
How violent is Chinatown?
A man's nose slit — shown graphically. A woman shot. The violence is sudden and real.
Is the language in Chinatown appropriate for kids?
Strong language consistent with R rating.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Chinatown?
None.
What mature themes appear in Chinatown?
The film's ending — in which evil wins completely — is one of cinema's most devastating. Noah Cross's power is absolute and unchallenged. Chinatown as a metaphor for places where good intentions produce bad outcomes. 'Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown.'
How long is Chinatown?
Chinatown runs 130 minutes, directed by Roman Polanski, released in 1974.
Where can I read the full Chinatown 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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