Poster for Emancipation

Emancipation (2022) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Inspired by the gripping true story of a man who would do anything for his family—and for freedom. When Peter, an enslaved man, risks his life to escape and return to his family, he embarks on a perilous journey of love and endurance.

Rated R • 2022 • 2h 12m

7.8
1K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

Emancipation is a harrowing historical drama depicting the brutal realities of slavery and the endurance of an enslaved man named Peter. The film contains pervasive, graphic violence, including whippings, shootings, and mutilation, alongside severe emotional trauma from the forced separation of families. It is intended for mature audiences due to its unflinching depiction of systemic racism, racial slurs, and disturbing imagery of… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Will Smith
Will Smith
Ben Foster
Ben Foster
Charmaine Bingwa
Charmaine Bingwa
GO
Gilbert Owuor
Ronnie Gene Blevins
Ronnie Gene Blevins
Aaron Moten
Aaron Moten
Jabbar Lewis
Jabbar Lewis
Michael Luwoye
Michael Luwoye
Steven Ogg
Steven Ogg
Grant Harvey
Grant Harvey
Mustafa Shakir
Mustafa Shakir
Paul Ben-Victor
Paul Ben-Victor
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Is Emancipation appropriate for kids?

Emancipation is a harrowing historical drama depicting the brutal realities of slavery and the endurance of an enslaved man named Peter. The film contains pervasive, graphic violence, including whippings, shootings, and mutilation, alongside severe emotional trauma from the… Read more — free account

Content severity in Emancipation

Sex None 0/10
Violence Intense 9/10
Language Intense 8/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in Emancipation, moment by moment

  1. 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
  2. 0:28 ⚔ Violence & Gore 9/10
  3. 0:42 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
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Sex and nudity in Emancipation

There is no sexual content or nudity in this film.

Violence and gore in Emancipation

The violence is frequent, graphic, and intense. It includes scenes of enslaved people being whipped, branded with hot irons, and hunted by dogs. Battle sequences show soldiers being shot, stabbed, and dismembered, with clear depictions of blood and gore. There are also disturbing images of corpses, decapitation, and field hospital surgeries.

Language in Emancipation

The dialogue contains severe and pervasive use of racial slurs, specifically the 'n-word.' There are also several instances of the 'f-word' and other strong profanity, as well as multiple uses of blasphemous phrases.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Emancipation

Substance use is minimal, with incidental scenes of characters smoking tobacco during the 19th-century setting.

Mature themes in Emancipation

The film deals with the heavy, persistent themes of slavery, systemic racism, institutionalized brutality, and the physical and emotional trauma of forced family separation. It explores extreme cruelty as a tool of oppression and depicts the grim realities of war.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Emancipation appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Emancipation is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Emancipation is a harrowing historical drama depicting the brutal realities of slavery and the endurance of an enslaved man named Peter. The film contains pervasive, graphic violence, including whippings, shootings, and…

What age rating does Emancipation have?

Emancipation is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.

What is Emancipation about?

Emancipation is a harrowing historical drama depicting the brutal realities of slavery and the endurance of an enslaved man named Peter. The film contains pervasive, graphic violence, including whippings, shootings, and mutilation, alongside severe emotional trauma from the forced separation of families. It is…

Is there sex or nudity in Emancipation?

There is no sexual content or nudity in this film.

How violent is Emancipation?

The violence is frequent, graphic, and intense. It includes scenes of enslaved people being whipped, branded with hot irons, and hunted by dogs. Battle sequences show soldiers being shot, stabbed, and dismembered, with clear depictions of blood and gore…

Is the language in Emancipation appropriate for kids?

The dialogue contains severe and pervasive use of racial slurs, specifically the 'n-word.' There are also several instances of the 'f-word' and other strong profanity, as well as multiple uses of blasphemous phrases.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Emancipation?

Substance use is minimal, with incidental scenes of characters smoking tobacco during the 19th-century setting.

What mature themes appear in Emancipation?

The film deals with the heavy, persistent themes of slavery, systemic racism, institutionalized brutality, and the physical and emotional trauma of forced family separation. It explores extreme cruelty as a tool of oppression and depicts the grim realities of…

How long is Emancipation?

Emancipation runs 132 minutes, directed by Antoine Fuqua, released in 2022.

Where can I read the full Emancipation parent guide?

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