Gangster Squad (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Los Angeles, 1949. Ruthless, Brooklyn-born mob king Mickey Cohen runs the show in this town, reaping the ill-gotten gains from the drugs, the guns, the prostitutes and — if he has his way — every wire bet placed west of Chicago. And he does it all with the protection of not only his own paid goons, but also the police and the politicians who are under his control. It’s enough to intimidate even the bravest, street-hardened cop… except, perhaps, for the small, secret crew of LAPD outsiders led by Sgt. John O’Mara and Jerry Wooters who… Sign up for the full guide
Rated R • 2013 • 1h 53m
This film earns its R rating primarily for pervasive, strong, and often graphic gangster violence. Set in 1940s Los Angeles, "Gangster Squad" depicts the city's secret police unit fighting to take down mobster Mickey Cohen, and the conflict is depicted with brutal honesty. Expect frequent, intense shootouts with machine guns, bloody fistfights, and several moments of shocking cruelty, including torture. The language is also very strong… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Gangster Squad appropriate for kids?
This film earns its R rating primarily for pervasive, strong, and often graphic gangster violence. Set in 1940s Los Angeles, "Gangster Squad" depicts the city's secret police unit fighting to take down mobster Mickey Cohen, and the conflict is depicted with brutal honesty… Read more — free account
Content severity in Gangster Squad
What happens in Gangster Squad, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 9/10
- 0:05 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
Sex and nudity in Gangster Squad
Sexual content is infrequent and not graphic. A main character has an affair, involving a scene where the couple is in bed together with no nudity. Mickey Cohen's criminal enterprise is mentioned to involve prostitution, which is a plot point but is not visually depicted beyond a brief, non-nude glimpse into a brothel. An attempted sexual assault is briefly shown before being stopped.
Violence and gore in Gangster Squad
Violence is pervasive, strong, and often graphic, earning the film its R rating. The film is filled with intense shootouts using machine guns, resulting in many bloody deaths. Specific brutal acts include a man being chained to two cars and torn apart (shown in silhouette), a man killed with a power drill to the head (partially obscured), and men burned alive in an elevator. The climax features a protracted, bloody bare-knuckle brawl that leaves both men's faces severely battered.
Language in Gangster Squad
Language is strong and frequent throughout. The dialogue includes over 20 uses of "f--k" and at least one use of "c--t." Other profanity is also common, including multiple uses of "s--t," "son of a bitch," and derogatory terms like "whore" and "pussy."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Gangster Squad
Substance use is constant, reflecting the 1940s setting. Nearly every adult character smokes cigarettes and drinks alcohol (usually hard liquor) frequently in social and professional settings. A major plot point also revolves around the gangsters' trafficking of heroin, with bricks of the drug shown being transported and discussed.
Mature themes in Gangster Squad
The film's themes are mature, revolving around violent organized crime, police corruption, and vigilantism. The 'Gangster Squad' operates outside the law, raising questions about ends justifying means. The film deals with death and loss, including the murder of police officers, and the danger extends to the protagonists' families, with a drive-by shooting targeting a pregnant wife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gangster Squad appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Gangster Squad is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. This film earns its R rating primarily for pervasive, strong, and often graphic gangster violence. Set in 1940s Los Angeles, "Gangster Squad" depicts the city's secret police unit fighting to take down mobster Mickey…
What age rating does Gangster Squad have?
Gangster Squad is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Gangster Squad about?
This film earns its R rating primarily for pervasive, strong, and often graphic gangster violence. Set in 1940s Los Angeles, "Gangster Squad" depicts the city's secret police unit fighting to take down mobster Mickey Cohen, and the conflict is depicted with brutal honesty. Expect frequent, intense shootouts with…
Is there sex or nudity in Gangster Squad?
Sexual content is infrequent and not graphic. A main character has an affair, involving a scene where the couple is in bed together with no nudity. Mickey Cohen's criminal enterprise is mentioned to involve prostitution, which is a plot point but is not…
How violent is Gangster Squad?
Violence is pervasive, strong, and often graphic, earning the film its R rating. The film is filled with intense shootouts using machine guns, resulting in many bloody deaths. Specific brutal acts include a man being chained to two cars and torn apart (shown…
Is the language in Gangster Squad appropriate for kids?
Language is strong and frequent throughout. The dialogue includes over 20 uses of "f--k" and at least one use of "c--t." Other profanity is also common, including multiple uses of "s--t," "son of a bitch," and derogatory terms like "whore" and "pussy."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Gangster Squad?
Substance use is constant, reflecting the 1940s setting. Nearly every adult character smokes cigarettes and drinks alcohol (usually hard liquor) frequently in social and professional settings. A major plot point also revolves around the gangsters' trafficking…
What mature themes appear in Gangster Squad?
The film's themes are mature, revolving around violent organized crime, police corruption, and vigilantism. The 'Gangster Squad' operates outside the law, raising questions about ends justifying means. The film deals with death and loss, including the murder…
How long is Gangster Squad?
Gangster Squad runs 113 minutes, directed by Ruben Fleischer, released in 2013.
Where can I read the full Gangster Squad parent guide?
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