Election (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Tracy Flick is running unopposed for this year’s high school student election. But Jim McAllister has a different plan. Partly to establish a more democratic election, and partly to satisfy some deep personal anger toward Tracy, Jim talks football player Paul Metzler to run for president as well.
Rated R • 1999 • 1h 43m
A darkly comic satire about a high school student government election and the teacher whose obsession with stopping one candidate destroys his life. The R rating is for sexual content (a teacher's affair with a student) and language. Sharply funny and morally complex — the film is an allegory about American power and ambition that uses high school as its canvas.
Cast
Is Election appropriate for kids?
A darkly comic satire about a high school student government election and the teacher whose obsession with stopping one candidate destroys his life. The R rating is for sexual content (a teacher's affair with a student) and language. Sharply funny and morally complex — the film… Read more — free account
Content severity in Election
What happens in Election, moment by moment
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:18 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
- 0:30 💬 Language 4/10
Sex and nudity in Election
A teacher has an affair with a colleague's wife. A male student's sexual relationship with another male is depicted. A teacher's sexual obsession with a student is depicted as inappropriate without being acted on. Sexual content is woven throughout but not graphic.
Violence and gore in Election
There is no physical violence or gore present in this film, as the conflict is entirely psychological and political. The movie focuses on social sabotage and ethical lapses rather than physical aggression, maintaining a tone consistent with a dark high school satire.
Language in Election
The film contains frequent strong language, including multiple uses of the f-word and other profanities consistent with an R-rated comedy. These outbursts often occur during moments of high frustration for the adult characters, emphasizing the breakdown of their professional personas. The dialogue uses harsh language to highlight the intensity of the characters' internal rage and competitive spirits.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Election
Alcohol consumption is depicted in social settings, including scenes where adults drink beer or wine at home or during social gatherings. A specific instance involves a character drinking during a period of personal crisis, though the usage is not glorified or shown to be excessive. There is no depiction of recreational drug use or heavy intoxication that drives the plot.
Mature themes in Election
Ambition, entitlement, and the people who resent those qualities in others. A teacher's moral collapse driven by his hatred of a student who has done nothing wrong. The film's sympathy is deliberately split — Tracy Flick is both the villain and the victim. A sharp satire of American meritocracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Election appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Election is best for ages 16+. It's rated R. A darkly comic satire about a high school student government election and the teacher whose obsession with stopping one candidate destroys his life. The R rating is for sexual content (a teacher's affair with a student)…
What age rating does Election have?
Election is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 16+.
What is Election about?
A darkly comic satire about a high school student government election and the teacher whose obsession with stopping one candidate destroys his life. The R rating is for sexual content (a teacher's affair with a student) and language. Sharply funny and morally complex — the film is an allegory about American power and…
Is there sex or nudity in Election?
A teacher has an affair with a colleague's wife. A male student's sexual relationship with another male is depicted. A teacher's sexual obsession with a student is depicted as inappropriate without being acted on. Sexual content is woven throughout but not…
How violent is Election?
There is no physical violence or gore present in this film, as the conflict is entirely psychological and political. The movie focuses on social sabotage and ethical lapses rather than physical aggression, maintaining a tone consistent with a dark high school…
Is the language in Election appropriate for kids?
The film contains frequent strong language, including multiple uses of the f-word and other profanities consistent with an R-rated comedy. These outbursts often occur during moments of high frustration for the adult characters, emphasizing the breakdown of…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Election?
Alcohol consumption is depicted in social settings, including scenes where adults drink beer or wine at home or during social gatherings. A specific instance involves a character drinking during a period of personal crisis, though the usage is not glorified…
What mature themes appear in Election?
Ambition, entitlement, and the people who resent those qualities in others. A teacher's moral collapse driven by his hatred of a student who has done nothing wrong. The film's sympathy is deliberately split — Tracy Flick is both the villain and the victim. A…
How long is Election?
Election runs 103 minutes, directed by Alexander Payne, released in 1999.
Where can I read the full Election parent guide?
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