Free State of Jones (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In 1863, Mississippi farmer Newt Knight serves as a medic for the Confederate Army. Opposed to slavery, Knight would rather help the wounded than fight the Union. After his nephew dies in battle, Newt returns home to Jones County to safeguard his family but is soon branded an outlaw deserter. Forced to flee, he finds refuge with a group of runaway slaves hiding out in the swamps. Forging an alliance with the slaves and other farmers, Knight leads a rebellion that would forever change history.
Rated R • 2016 • 2h 20m
Free State of Jones received its R rating for pervasive and often brutal Civil War violence and disturbing graphic images. The film unflinchingly depicts the horrors of battle, including gory wounds, amputations, and executions. Thematic content is very strong, focusing on the brutalities of slavery, systemic racism, and post-war racial terror, including a lynching by the Ku Klux Klan. While there is no sex or nudity, and language and… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Free State of Jones appropriate for kids?
Free State of Jones received its R rating for pervasive and often brutal Civil War violence and disturbing graphic images. The film unflinchingly depicts the horrors of battle, including gory wounds, amputations, and executions. Thematic content is very strong, focusing on the… Read more — free account
Content severity in Free State of Jones
What happens in Free State of Jones, moment by moment
- 0:04 ⚔ Violence & Gore 9/10
- 0:07 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in Free State of Jones
Sexual content is present only thematically. There is no nudity or depicted sexual activity. It is stated that plantation owners sexually assault female slaves, and one scene briefly suggests such an assault is about to occur, but nothing is shown. A woman gives birth in one scene, but it is not explicit.
Violence and gore in Free State of Jones
Pervasive, strong, and often graphic. The film opens with a brutal Civil War battle featuring gory gunshot wounds, maiming from cannon fire (including a man's head being blown off, seen very quickly), and crude field amputations. Throughout the film, there are numerous gunfights, ambushes, hangings, and a scene where a man is strangled to death. The violence is realistic and not stylized, culminating in a disturbing lynching.
Language in Free State of Jones
Moderate. Standard profanity is infrequent and includes uses of "hell" and "damn." The most significant aspect is the historically accurate and frequent use of racial slurs, including the N-word, used by characters to demean and threaten Black people.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Free State of Jones
Mild and incidental. Characters are occasionally seen drinking alcohol from flasks or bottles, and some characters smoke pipes or cigars, all in keeping with the historical period. There is no focus on substance use or abuse.
Mature themes in Free State of Jones
The film is built on intense and mature themes. Core themes include the brutality of war, the evils of slavery, systemic racism, social and economic injustice, rebellion against corrupt authority, and the post-war rise of white supremacist terrorism (the KKK). The film also explicitly deals with anti-miscegenation laws in a subplot set in the 20th century. The emotional weight of these topics, particularly the depictions of racial violence and oppression, is severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Free State of Jones appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Free State of Jones is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Free State of Jones received its R rating for pervasive and often brutal Civil War violence and disturbing graphic images. The film unflinchingly depicts the horrors of battle, including gory wounds, amputations, and…
What age rating does Free State of Jones have?
Free State of Jones is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Free State of Jones about?
Free State of Jones received its R rating for pervasive and often brutal Civil War violence and disturbing graphic images. The film unflinchingly depicts the horrors of battle, including gory wounds, amputations, and executions. Thematic content is very strong, focusing on the brutalities of slavery, systemic racism…
Is there sex or nudity in Free State of Jones?
Sexual content is present only thematically. There is no nudity or depicted sexual activity. It is stated that plantation owners sexually assault female slaves, and one scene briefly suggests such an assault is about to occur, but nothing is shown. A woman…
How violent is Free State of Jones?
Pervasive, strong, and often graphic. The film opens with a brutal Civil War battle featuring gory gunshot wounds, maiming from cannon fire (including a man's head being blown off, seen very quickly), and crude field amputations. Throughout the film, there…
Is the language in Free State of Jones appropriate for kids?
Moderate. Standard profanity is infrequent and includes uses of "hell" and "damn." The most significant aspect is the historically accurate and frequent use of racial slurs, including the N-word, used by characters to demean and threaten Black people.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Free State of Jones?
Mild and incidental. Characters are occasionally seen drinking alcohol from flasks or bottles, and some characters smoke pipes or cigars, all in keeping with the historical period. There is no focus on substance use or abuse.
What mature themes appear in Free State of Jones?
The film is built on intense and mature themes. Core themes include the brutality of war, the evils of slavery, systemic racism, social and economic injustice, rebellion against corrupt authority, and the post-war rise of white supremacist terrorism (the…
How long is Free State of Jones?
Free State of Jones runs 140 minutes, directed by Gary Ross, released in 2016.
Where can I read the full Free State of Jones parent guide?
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