Poster for Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Charles, an attorney, and Helen, his devoted wife, seem to have everything – money, a beautiful mansion – the American Dream. However, as Helen prepares to celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary, her life takes an unexpected twist when she comes home to find her clothes packed up in a U-Haul van parked in the driveway. Charles is divorcing her and kicks her out. Helen moves in with her grandmother Madea, an old woman who doesn't take any lip from anyone. Madea helps Helen through these tough times by showing her what is really… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG-13 • 2005 • 1h 57m

6.6
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

Diary of a Mad Black Woman earns its PG-13 rating with mature thematic material centering on marital breakdown, infidelity, and domestic abuse. The story follows Helen, who is brutally discarded by her wealthy husband Charles for his mistress and must rebuild her life with her tough-as-nails grandmother, Madea. The film contains a significant scene of gun violence in which a main character is shot, as well as scenes of verbal abuse… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Kimberly Elise
Kimberly Elise
Steve Harris
Steve Harris
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry
Shemar Moore
Shemar Moore
Lisa Marcos
Lisa Marcos
Tamara Taylor
Tamara Taylor
Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson
Terrell Carter
Terrell Carter
CM
Carol Mitchell-Leon
AK
Avery Knight
Vickie Eng
Vickie Eng
Tiffany Evans
Tiffany Evans
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Is Diary of a Mad Black Woman appropriate for kids?

Diary of a Mad Black Woman earns its PG-13 rating with mature thematic material centering on marital breakdown, infidelity, and domestic abuse. The story follows Helen, who is brutally discarded by her wealthy husband Charles for his mistress and must rebuild her life with her… Read more — free account

Content severity in Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Moderate 4/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in Diary of a Mad Black Woman, moment by moment

  1. 0:07 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  2. 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
  3. 0:26 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
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Sex and nudity in Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Content is thematic rather than visual. The central plot is driven by a husband's long-term extramarital affair with his mistress, with whom he has two children. There is no nudity or depicted sexual activity.

Violence and gore in Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Moderate to strong. Charles is verbally and emotionally abusive to Helen at the beginning of the film. In an act of revenge, Helen and Madea break into his home and destroy property, with Madea using a chainsaw on furniture. A key scene features a character being shot in the back in a courtroom. Later, Helen physically retaliates against the now-paralyzed Charles, slapping him and throwing things at him. Madea's comedic style often involves threats and aggressive posturing.

Language in Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Moderate. The film includes some profanity typical of a PG-13 rating, such as uses of "hell," "damn," and "ass," primarily from the character Madea.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Thematic references to drug use are present. One character, Debrah, is a drug addict who is estranged from her family as a result. Her journey to sobriety is a significant subplot. There is no on-screen depiction of illicit drug use.

Mature themes in Diary of a Mad Black Woman

The film explores several intense themes. Domestic abuse, both verbal and physical, is a core element. Infidelity, betrayal, and the emotional fallout of a sudden divorce are central to the plot. Themes of revenge, crime (a character is a corrupt lawyer), drug addiction, and destitution are prominent. These are balanced by strong themes of family support, Christian faith, forgiveness, and redemption.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Diary of a Mad Black Woman appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Diary of a Mad Black Woman is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Diary of a Mad Black Woman earns its PG-13 rating with mature thematic material centering on marital breakdown, infidelity, and domestic abuse. The story follows Helen, who is brutally discarded by her wealthy husband…

What age rating does Diary of a Mad Black Woman have?

Diary of a Mad Black Woman is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Diary of a Mad Black Woman about?

Diary of a Mad Black Woman earns its PG-13 rating with mature thematic material centering on marital breakdown, infidelity, and domestic abuse. The story follows Helen, who is brutally discarded by her wealthy husband Charles for his mistress and must rebuild her life with her tough-as-nails grandmother, Madea. The…

Is there sex or nudity in Diary of a Mad Black Woman?

Content is thematic rather than visual. The central plot is driven by a husband's long-term extramarital affair with his mistress, with whom he has two children. There is no nudity or depicted sexual activity.

How violent is Diary of a Mad Black Woman?

Moderate to strong. Charles is verbally and emotionally abusive to Helen at the beginning of the film. In an act of revenge, Helen and Madea break into his home and destroy property, with Madea using a chainsaw on furniture. A key scene features a character…

Is the language in Diary of a Mad Black Woman appropriate for kids?

Moderate. The film includes some profanity typical of a PG-13 rating, such as uses of "hell," "damn," and "ass," primarily from the character Madea.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Diary of a Mad Black Woman?

Thematic references to drug use are present. One character, Debrah, is a drug addict who is estranged from her family as a result. Her journey to sobriety is a significant subplot. There is no on-screen depiction of illicit drug use.

What mature themes appear in Diary of a Mad Black Woman?

The film explores several intense themes. Domestic abuse, both verbal and physical, is a core element. Infidelity, betrayal, and the emotional fallout of a sudden divorce are central to the plot. Themes of revenge, crime (a character is a corrupt lawyer)…

How long is Diary of a Mad Black Woman?

Diary of a Mad Black Woman runs 117 minutes, directed by Darren Grant, released in 2005.

Where can I read the full Diary of a Mad Black Woman parent guide?

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