Gangs of New York (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In early 1860s New York, Irish immigrant Amsterdam Vallon is released from prison and returns to the Five Points, seeking revenge against his father's killer, William Cutting, a powerful anti-immigrant gang leader. He knows that revenge can only be attained by infiltrating Cutting's inner circle. Vallon's journey becomes a fight for personal survival and to find a place for the Irish people.
Rated R • 2002 • 2h 48m
Martin Scorsese's historical epic "Gangs of New York" received its R rating for pervasive and brutal violence, strong sexual content, nudity, and language. The film is defined by its graphic depiction of 19th-century gang warfare, featuring intense stabbings, bloody brawls, and torture. The conflict between Amsterdam Vallon and the menacing gang leader Bill "The Butcher" Cutting is unflinchingly violent from start to finish. In… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Gangs of New York appropriate for kids?
Martin Scorsese's historical epic "Gangs of New York" received its R rating for pervasive and brutal violence, strong sexual content, nudity, and language. The film is defined by its graphic depiction of 19th-century gang warfare, featuring intense stabbings, bloody brawls, and… Read more — free account
Content severity in Gangs of New York
What happens in Gangs of New York, moment by moment
- 0:07 ⚔ Violence & Gore 9/10
- 0:09 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:22 💬 Language 6/10
Sex and nudity in Gangs of New York
There are several strong scenes of sexuality and nudity. In one scene, a man and woman kiss passionately and begin to undress, showing scars on their bodies. Another sequence in a brothel/theater features multiple topless women, and a brief overhead shot shows a man in bed with several fully nude women (breasts and buttocks visible). Women are also shown being drugged and auctioned in cages, and there is a verbal reference to a crude, scarring abortion.
Violence and gore in Gangs of New York
Violence is pervasive, graphic, and brutal throughout. The film opens with a massive gang battle featuring axes, cleavers, and knives, resulting in bloody wounds, a man's ear being bitten off, and a character being fatally stabbed. Other scenes include a man's hand being stabbed to a table, a character being garroted, a man beingimpaled with a pike, a public beating, a character being branded on the face with a hot blade, and a man's murder with a club. The climax during the Draft Riots contains widespread mob…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Gangs of New York
Language is strong and used frequently. There are approximately 6 uses of "f--k" and other profanity like "shit," "bastard," and "son of a bitch." More significantly, the dialogue is filled with derogatory and racist language reflecting the 1860s setting, including slurs directed at Irish, Black, and Chinese people.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Gangs of New York
Substance use is frequent. Characters constantly smoke pipes, cigars, and cigarettes throughout the film. Alcohol is consumed heavily in bars, at celebrations, and in social gatherings. In one scene, multiple characters are shown passing around a large pipe and smoking opium in a den.
Mature themes in Gangs of New York
The film explores severe and mature themes, including revenge, political corruption, and the brutal realities of poverty. A central theme is xenophobia and racism, showcased through the violent conflict between nativist gangs and Irish immigrants. The depiction of the New York Draft Riots includes mob violence and the specific targeting and lynching of Black citizens, presented in a historically grim and unflinching manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gangs of New York appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Gangs of New York is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Martin Scorsese's historical epic "Gangs of New York" received its R rating for pervasive and brutal violence, strong sexual content, nudity, and language. The film is defined by its graphic depiction of 19th-century…
What age rating does Gangs of New York have?
Gangs of New York is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Gangs of New York about?
Martin Scorsese's historical epic "Gangs of New York" received its R rating for pervasive and brutal violence, strong sexual content, nudity, and language. The film is defined by its graphic depiction of 19th-century gang warfare, featuring intense stabbings, bloody brawls, and torture. The conflict between Amsterdam…
Is there sex or nudity in Gangs of New York?
There are several strong scenes of sexuality and nudity. In one scene, a man and woman kiss passionately and begin to undress, showing scars on their bodies. Another sequence in a brothel/theater features multiple topless women, and a brief overhead shot…
How violent is Gangs of New York?
Violence is pervasive, graphic, and brutal throughout. The film opens with a massive gang battle featuring axes, cleavers, and knives, resulting in bloody wounds, a man's ear being bitten off, and a character being fatally stabbed. Other scenes include a…
Is the language in Gangs of New York appropriate for kids?
Language is strong and used frequently. There are approximately 6 uses of "f--k" and other profanity like "shit," "bastard," and "son of a bitch." More significantly, the dialogue is filled with derogatory and racist language reflecting the 1860s setting…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Gangs of New York?
Substance use is frequent. Characters constantly smoke pipes, cigars, and cigarettes throughout the film. Alcohol is consumed heavily in bars, at celebrations, and in social gatherings. In one scene, multiple characters are shown passing around a large pipe…
What mature themes appear in Gangs of New York?
The film explores severe and mature themes, including revenge, political corruption, and the brutal realities of poverty. A central theme is xenophobia and racism, showcased through the violent conflict between nativist gangs and Irish immigrants. The…
How long is Gangs of New York?
Gangs of New York runs 168 minutes, directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 2002.
Where can I read the full Gangs of New York parent guide?
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