Dark Water (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A woman in the midst of an unpleasant divorce moves to an eerie apartment building with her young daughter. The ceiling of their apartment has a dark and active leak.
Rated 15 • 2002 • 1h 41m
The Japanese horror film 'Dark Water' earns its rating through pervasive psychological dread and mature thematic material rather than explicit violence or gore. The story follows Yoshimi, a mother in a stressful custody battle, who moves with her young daughter Ikuko into a rundown apartment plagued by a mysterious water leak. The film's scariness comes from its sustained, eerie atmosphere, unsettling imagery involving a child's ghost… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Dark Water appropriate for kids?
The Japanese horror film 'Dark Water' earns its rating through pervasive psychological dread and mature thematic material rather than explicit violence or gore. The story follows Yoshimi, a mother in a stressful custody battle, who moves with her young daughter Ikuko into a… Read more — free account
Content severity in Dark Water
What happens in Dark Water, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:22 💬 Language 2/10
- 0:25 🍷 Substances 1/10
Sex and nudity in Dark Water
None. A scene shows a mother and daughter bathing in separate tubs, but they are only seen from the shoulders up.
Violence and gore in Dark Water
The film's violence is largely psychological and supernatural. There is very little physical violence, with the main instance being a climactic scene where a ghost attempts to drown a child in a bathtub. Another scene involves a mother grabbing a child and fleeing, with some struggling. The film focuses on peril and threat over explicit gore.
Language in Dark Water
Language is very mild and infrequent. At least one mild curse word is used during a moment of frustration, but profanity is not a significant component of the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Dark Water
Substance use is minimal and incidental. Yoshimi's ex-husband is seen smoking a cigarette in one or two brief scenes.
Mature themes in Dark Water
The film contains strong and pervasive mature themes. Central plot points include a stressful divorce and child custody battle, the profound trauma of parental abandonment (both for the main character and a ghost child), the accidental death of a child, and a mother's ultimate self-sacrifice. These elements are emotionally intense and are the core of the film's horror.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dark Water appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Dark Water is best for ages 13+. It's rated 15. The Japanese horror film 'Dark Water' earns its rating through pervasive psychological dread and mature thematic material rather than explicit violence or gore. The story follows Yoshimi, a mother in a stressful custody…
What age rating does Dark Water have?
Dark Water is officially rated 15. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Dark Water about?
The Japanese horror film 'Dark Water' earns its rating through pervasive psychological dread and mature thematic material rather than explicit violence or gore. The story follows Yoshimi, a mother in a stressful custody battle, who moves with her young daughter Ikuko into a rundown apartment plagued by a mysterious…
Is there sex or nudity in Dark Water?
None. A scene shows a mother and daughter bathing in separate tubs, but they are only seen from the shoulders up.
How violent is Dark Water?
The film's violence is largely psychological and supernatural. There is very little physical violence, with the main instance being a climactic scene where a ghost attempts to drown a child in a bathtub. Another scene involves a mother grabbing a child and…
Is the language in Dark Water appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild and infrequent. At least one mild curse word is used during a moment of frustration, but profanity is not a significant component of the film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Dark Water?
Substance use is minimal and incidental. Yoshimi's ex-husband is seen smoking a cigarette in one or two brief scenes.
What mature themes appear in Dark Water?
The film contains strong and pervasive mature themes. Central plot points include a stressful divorce and child custody battle, the profound trauma of parental abandonment (both for the main character and a ghost child), the accidental death of a child, and a…
How long is Dark Water?
Dark Water runs 101 minutes, directed by Hideo Nakata, released in 2002.
Where can I read the full Dark Water parent guide?
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