City of Ember (2008) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: City of Ember
Director: Gil Kenan
Released: 2008
Duration: 95 min
Rating: 6.4

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

For generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember's once powerful generator is failing and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker. Now, two teenagers, in a race against time, must search Ember for clues that will unlock the ancient mystery of the city's existence, before the the lights go out forever.

Rated PG • 2008 • 1h 35m

Directed by Gil Kenan

6.4

1K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

Two teenagers race to save their people from an underground city that is literal minutes away from total darkness and collapse. The film is rated PG for mild peril and suspenseful action sequences, including escapes from a large underground creature. It is a clean adventure suitable for children ages 9 and up, though younger viewers may find the atmosphere of the dying city slightly intense.

Cast

Saoirse Ronan

Harry Treadaway

Bill Murray

David Ryall

Tim Robbins

Mackenzie Crook

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Mary Kay Place

Toby Jones

Lucinda Dryzek

Martin Landau

Ian McElhinney

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Is City of Ember appropriate for kids?

Content severity in City of Ember

Sex None 0/10

Violence Moderate 3/10

Language None 0/10

Substances None 0/10

Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in City of Ember, moment by moment

0:34 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
0:40 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
1:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10

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Sex and nudity in City of Ember

None.

Violence and gore in City of Ember

Mild. Chase peril, a giant mole creature, and tense escapes. A corrupt mayor. Bloodless.

Language in City of Ember

None of note.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in City of Ember

None of note.

Mature themes in City of Ember

Hope, courage, and questioning corrupt authority. A looming sense of doom (the city is dying) gives it tension, but it's a clean, suspenseful adventure for tweens.

Scary moments in City of Ember

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for City of Ember yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is City of Ember appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests City of Ember is best for ages 9+. It's rated PG. Two teenagers race to save their people from an underground city that is literal minutes away from total darkness and collapse. The film is rated PG for mild peril and suspenseful action sequences, including escapes…

What age rating does City of Ember have?

City of Ember is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 9+.

What is City of Ember about?

Is there sex or nudity in City of Ember?

None.

How violent is City of Ember?

Mild. Chase peril, a giant mole creature, and tense escapes. A corrupt mayor. Bloodless.

Is the language in City of Ember appropriate for kids?

None of note.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in City of Ember?

None of note.

What mature themes appear in City of Ember?

Hope, courage, and questioning corrupt authority. A looming sense of doom (the city is dying) gives it tension, but it's a clean, suspenseful adventure for tweens.

How long is City of Ember?

City of Ember runs 95 minutes, directed by Gil Kenan, released in 2008.

Where can I read the full City of Ember 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.