Chungking Express (1994) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Two melancholic Hong Kong policemen fall in love: one with a mysterious underworld figure, the other with a beautiful and ethereal server at a late-night restaurant.
Rated PG-13 • 1994 • 1h 43m
Wong Kar-Wai's "Chungking Express" received its PG-13 rating for some violence, sexuality, and drug content. The film tells two separate stories about lonely Hong Kong policemen, He Qiwu and Cop 663, and their burgeoning romances. Parents should be aware of a plot involving drug trafficking, scenes of stylized but sometimes bloody shootouts, and moderate sexual situations that include passionate kissing and implied intimacy without… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Chungking Express appropriate for kids?
Wong Kar-Wai's "Chungking Express" received its PG-13 rating for some violence, sexuality, and drug content. The film tells two separate stories about lonely Hong Kong policemen, He Qiwu and Cop 663, and their burgeoning romances. Parents should be aware of a plot involving drug… Read more — free account
Content severity in Chungking Express
What happens in Chungking Express, moment by moment
- 0:04 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
- 0:11 🍷 Substances 6/10
- 0:18 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Sex and nudity in Chungking Express
A few scenes contain moderate sexual content. One sequence involves a man and woman chasing each other in an apartment; the woman wears only a bra and skirt. They kiss passionately on a bed before the scene cuts away, implying intimacy without showing explicit acts or nudity. In another scene, a male character is shown in his apartment wearing only a tank top and underwear. There are also several instances of passionate kissing between couples.
Violence and gore in Chungking Express
Violence is infrequent and highly stylized, often using a blurry, low-shutter-speed effect that obscures graphic detail. The first half includes chase scenes and a shootout where a woman fires a handgun at several men, with some non-graphic blood visible on their clothing. The most intense moment involves a character being shot at close range; the action is shown in silhouette, but a spray of blood is clearly visible.
Language in Chungking Express
Language is very infrequent. According to user reports, the dialogue includes at least one use of the S-word and one use of "damn."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Chungking Express
Substance use is moderate. Many characters smoke cigarettes frequently throughout both stories. Alcohol is consumed in bar settings, and in one scene a character drinks heavily until he passes out. The first story's plot centrally involves drug trafficking, with scenes showing smugglers hiding bags of heroin in shoes and condoms, though no drug use is depicted on screen.
Mature themes in Chungking Express
The film explores mature themes of loneliness, heartbreak, memory, and obsession. Both protagonists are police officers dealing with recent breakups, and their coping mechanisms—one obsessing over expiration dates, the other being unaware a stranger is redecorating his apartment—are central to the plot. The narrative also includes criminal activity, such as drug smuggling and betrayal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chungking Express appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Chungking Express is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Wong Kar-Wai's "Chungking Express" received its PG-13 rating for some violence, sexuality, and drug content. The film tells two separate stories about lonely Hong Kong policemen, He Qiwu and Cop 663, and their…
What age rating does Chungking Express have?
Chungking Express is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Chungking Express about?
Wong Kar-Wai's "Chungking Express" received its PG-13 rating for some violence, sexuality, and drug content. The film tells two separate stories about lonely Hong Kong policemen, He Qiwu and Cop 663, and their burgeoning romances. Parents should be aware of a plot involving drug trafficking, scenes of stylized but…
Is there sex or nudity in Chungking Express?
A few scenes contain moderate sexual content. One sequence involves a man and woman chasing each other in an apartment; the woman wears only a bra and skirt. They kiss passionately on a bed before the scene cuts away, implying intimacy without showing…
How violent is Chungking Express?
Violence is infrequent and highly stylized, often using a blurry, low-shutter-speed effect that obscures graphic detail. The first half includes chase scenes and a shootout where a woman fires a handgun at several men, with some non-graphic blood visible on…
Is the language in Chungking Express appropriate for kids?
Language is very infrequent. According to user reports, the dialogue includes at least one use of the S-word and one use of "damn."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Chungking Express?
Substance use is moderate. Many characters smoke cigarettes frequently throughout both stories. Alcohol is consumed in bar settings, and in one scene a character drinks heavily until he passes out. The first story's plot centrally involves drug trafficking…
What mature themes appear in Chungking Express?
The film explores mature themes of loneliness, heartbreak, memory, and obsession. Both protagonists are police officers dealing with recent breakups, and their coping mechanisms—one obsessing over expiration dates, the other being unaware a stranger is…
How long is Chungking Express?
Chungking Express runs 103 minutes, directed by Wong Kar-Wai, released in 1994.
Where can I read the full Chungking Express parent guide?
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