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First Man (2018) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.

Rated PG-13 • 2018 • 2h 21m

7.0
5K+
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Age
13+

First Man follows astronaut Neil Armstrong's journey to the moon, and its PG-13 rating is primarily for intense sequences of life-threatening peril and deeply mature thematic content. The film's central emotional weight comes from the death of Armstrong's young daughter, a loss which informs his stoic character throughout. Parents should be aware of several harrowing scenes depicting spacecraft malfunctions, crashes, and fatal… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling
Claire Foy
Claire Foy
Jason Clarke
Jason Clarke
Kyle Chandler
Kyle Chandler
Corey Stoll
Corey Stoll
Patrick Fugit
Patrick Fugit
Christopher Abbott
Christopher Abbott
Ciarán Hinds
Ciarán Hinds
Olivia Hamilton
Olivia Hamilton
Pablo Schreiber
Pablo Schreiber
Shea Whigham
Shea Whigham
Lukas Haas
Lukas Haas
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Is First Man appropriate for kids?

First Man follows astronaut Neil Armstrong's journey to the moon, and its PG-13 rating is primarily for intense sequences of life-threatening peril and deeply mature thematic content. The film's central emotional weight comes from the death of Armstrong's young daughter, a loss… Read more — free account

Content severity in First Man

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in First Man, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  2. 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 8/10
  3. 0:31 🍷 Substances 2/10
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Sex and nudity in First Man

Limited to a few brief, non-sexual kisses between the main character and his wife, and a final tender moment where they touch hands through glass.

Violence and gore in First Man

Contains several intense and sustained sequences of peril. These are not traditional fight scenes, but rather visceral depictions of spacecraft malfunctions, crashes, and explosions. An opening sequence shows a plane shaking violently as it bounces off the atmosphere. Another scene shows a capsule spinning out of control. The aftermath of a fatal fire is discussed, and one character is seen with a bloody facial injury after ejecting from a test vehicle.

Language in First Man

Includes one prominent, non-sexual use of the F-word, shouted during a moment of frustration. Other language includes a few uses of "shit" and milder expletives like "hell" and "damn," as well as exclamatory uses of "God" and "Jesus."

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in First Man

Reflecting the time period, there are several instances of characters smoking cigarettes in professional and social settings. Adults are also occasionally shown drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages at home or at gatherings.

Mature themes in First Man

The film deals heavily with mature and sorrowful themes, most centrally the profound grief following the death of a young child from cancer. This loss is a recurring motif. The constant risk of the space program results in the on-screen and off-screen deaths of several other characters, compounding the sense of loss. The story also explores themes of marital strain, emotional suppression, and the immense personal and familial sacrifice required for historic achievement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is First Man appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests First Man is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. First Man follows astronaut Neil Armstrong's journey to the moon, and its PG-13 rating is primarily for intense sequences of life-threatening peril and deeply mature thematic content. The film's central emotional weight…

What age rating does First Man have?

First Man is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is First Man about?

First Man follows astronaut Neil Armstrong's journey to the moon, and its PG-13 rating is primarily for intense sequences of life-threatening peril and deeply mature thematic content. The film's central emotional weight comes from the death of Armstrong's young daughter, a loss which informs his stoic character…

Is there sex or nudity in First Man?

Limited to a few brief, non-sexual kisses between the main character and his wife, and a final tender moment where they touch hands through glass.

How violent is First Man?

Contains several intense and sustained sequences of peril. These are not traditional fight scenes, but rather visceral depictions of spacecraft malfunctions, crashes, and explosions. An opening sequence shows a plane shaking violently as it bounces off the…

Is the language in First Man appropriate for kids?

Includes one prominent, non-sexual use of the F-word, shouted during a moment of frustration. Other language includes a few uses of "shit" and milder expletives like "hell" and "damn," as well as exclamatory uses of "God" and "Jesus."

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in First Man?

Reflecting the time period, there are several instances of characters smoking cigarettes in professional and social settings. Adults are also occasionally shown drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages at home or at gatherings.

What mature themes appear in First Man?

The film deals heavily with mature and sorrowful themes, most centrally the profound grief following the death of a young child from cancer. This loss is a recurring motif. The constant risk of the space program results in the on-screen and off-screen deaths…

How long is First Man?

First Man runs 141 minutes, directed by Damien Chazelle, released in 2018.

Where can I read the full First Man parent guide?

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