City of God (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, two young men choose different paths. Rocket is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighborhood, while José “Zé” Pequeno is an ambitious drug dealer diving into a dangerous life of crime.
Rated R • 2002 • 2h 9m
City of God is a harrowing, non-linear crime drama depicting the rise of drug gangs in a Rio de Janeiro favela from the 1960s through the 1980s. The film is rated R primarily for its pervasive, unflinching, and highly realistic depiction of gang violence, mass executions, and the corruption of children into lethal killers. Parents should be aware of frequent sexual content, including sexual violence, alongside pervasive drug use and… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is City of God appropriate for kids?
City of God is a harrowing, non-linear crime drama depicting the rise of drug gangs in a Rio de Janeiro favela from the 1960s through the 1980s. The film is rated R primarily for its pervasive, unflinching, and highly realistic depiction of gang violence, mass executions, and… Read more — free account
Content severity in City of God
What happens in City of God, moment by moment
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
- 0:28 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:45 🍷 Substances 8/10
Sex and nudity in City of God
The film contains moderate sexual content, including brief nudity, frequent crude sexual discussions, and depictions of sexual violence. Characters are shown in sexual scenarios, and references to sexual acts are pervasive throughout the narrative.
Violence and gore in City of God
Violence is severe, graphic, and constant. The film features frequent mass shootings, executions, stabbings, and sadistic acts committed by both adults and children, often shown with explicit realism.
Language in City of God
Strong and pervasive profanity is used throughout the entire runtime. Characters frequently use slurs, vulgar sexual terminology, and aggressive insults as part of their everyday speech.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in City of God
Drug use is a central theme and is shown casually and frequently. Characters are depicted selling, packaging, and consuming cocaine and marijuana throughout the story, often in the presence of children.
Mature themes in City of God
The film explores mature, distressing themes including the systemic cycle of poverty, child soldiering, corruption of innocence, and the normalization of murder in urban environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City of God appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests City of God is best for ages 18+. It's rated R. City of God is a harrowing, non-linear crime drama depicting the rise of drug gangs in a Rio de Janeiro favela from the 1960s through the 1980s. The film is rated R primarily for its pervasive, unflinching, and highly…
What age rating does City of God have?
City of God is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 18+.
What is City of God about?
City of God is a harrowing, non-linear crime drama depicting the rise of drug gangs in a Rio de Janeiro favela from the 1960s through the 1980s. The film is rated R primarily for its pervasive, unflinching, and highly realistic depiction of gang violence, mass executions, and the corruption of children into lethal…
Is there sex or nudity in City of God?
The film contains moderate sexual content, including brief nudity, frequent crude sexual discussions, and depictions of sexual violence. Characters are shown in sexual scenarios, and references to sexual acts are pervasive throughout the narrative.
How violent is City of God?
Violence is severe, graphic, and constant. The film features frequent mass shootings, executions, stabbings, and sadistic acts committed by both adults and children, often shown with explicit realism.
Is the language in City of God appropriate for kids?
Strong and pervasive profanity is used throughout the entire runtime. Characters frequently use slurs, vulgar sexual terminology, and aggressive insults as part of their everyday speech.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in City of God?
Drug use is a central theme and is shown casually and frequently. Characters are depicted selling, packaging, and consuming cocaine and marijuana throughout the story, often in the presence of children.
What mature themes appear in City of God?
The film explores mature, distressing themes including the systemic cycle of poverty, child soldiering, corruption of innocence, and the normalization of murder in urban environments.
How long is City of God?
City of God runs 129 minutes, directed by Fernando Meirelles, released in 2002.
Where can I read the full City of God 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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