Ghost in the Shell (2017) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In the near future, Major is the first of her kind: a human saved from a terrible crash, then cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals.
Rated PG-13 • 2017 • 1h 47m
This live-action adaptation of "Ghost in the Shell" earns its PG-13 rating with frequent and intense sequences of sci-fi violence, some suggestive content, and disturbing imagery. The film follows Major, a cyborg counter-terrorism operative, through a dark, futuristic world filled with shootouts, explosions, and hand-to-hand combat, some of which result in blood but not graphic gore. The main suggestive element involves Major's… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Ghost in the Shell appropriate for kids?
This live-action adaptation of "Ghost in the Shell" earns its PG-13 rating with frequent and intense sequences of sci-fi violence, some suggestive content, and disturbing imagery. The film follows Major, a cyborg counter-terrorism operative, through a dark, futuristic world… Read more — free account
Content severity in Ghost in the Shell
What happens in Ghost in the Shell, moment by moment
- 0:02 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:16 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in Ghost in the Shell
Suggestive content is mild. The main character, Major, wears a skin-tight bodysuit that resembles a nude female form, but it has doll-like anatomy with no nipples or genitalia visible. Her body is shown this way multiple times, including during its creation sequence at the beginning. In one scene, Major visits a prostitute to feel a connection, but the interaction is brief and nothing sexual is shown or implied on screen.
Violence and gore in Ghost in the Shell
The film contains strong and frequent sci-fi action violence. There are numerous shootouts with automatic weapons where characters are shot, sometimes with brief bloody impacts. Key sequences include a robotic geisha attacking a man, an explosion that destroys a character's eyes, and a man being mentally hacked and forced to shoot himself in the head. The finale features an extended battle against a large 'spider-tank' where Major has her robotic arm torn off, and another character is shot and killed by a sniper.
Language in Ghost in the Shell
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. The word "shit" is used a few times, along with lesser terms like "ass" and "hell." A character also makes a middle-finger gesture.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Ghost in the Shell
Substance use is minor and incidental. Characters, particularly Batou, are occasionally seen drinking beer from bottles. Chief Aramaki is often seen smoking cigarettes in his office and elsewhere.
Mature themes in Ghost in the Shell
The film explores strong and complex themes of identity, memory, and humanity. The central plot involves Major discovering her human memories were erased and replaced after her brain was put into a robotic 'shell' without her consent. The villain, Kuze, is a product of the same traumatic experimentation. These themes of body theft, corporate conspiracy, and murder for profit are mature and central to the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost in the Shell appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Ghost in the Shell is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This live-action adaptation of "Ghost in the Shell" earns its PG-13 rating with frequent and intense sequences of sci-fi violence, some suggestive content, and disturbing imagery. The film follows Major, a cyborg…
What age rating does Ghost in the Shell have?
Ghost in the Shell is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Ghost in the Shell about?
This live-action adaptation of "Ghost in the Shell" earns its PG-13 rating with frequent and intense sequences of sci-fi violence, some suggestive content, and disturbing imagery. The film follows Major, a cyborg counter-terrorism operative, through a dark, futuristic world filled with shootouts, explosions, and…
Is there sex or nudity in Ghost in the Shell?
Suggestive content is mild. The main character, Major, wears a skin-tight bodysuit that resembles a nude female form, but it has doll-like anatomy with no nipples or genitalia visible. Her body is shown this way multiple times, including during its creation…
How violent is Ghost in the Shell?
The film contains strong and frequent sci-fi action violence. There are numerous shootouts with automatic weapons where characters are shot, sometimes with brief bloody impacts. Key sequences include a robotic geisha attacking a man, an explosion that…
Is the language in Ghost in the Shell appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. The word "shit" is used a few times, along with lesser terms like "ass" and "hell." A character also makes a middle-finger gesture.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Ghost in the Shell?
Substance use is minor and incidental. Characters, particularly Batou, are occasionally seen drinking beer from bottles. Chief Aramaki is often seen smoking cigarettes in his office and elsewhere.
What mature themes appear in Ghost in the Shell?
The film explores strong and complex themes of identity, memory, and humanity. The central plot involves Major discovering her human memories were erased and replaced after her brain was put into a robotic 'shell' without her consent. The villain, Kuze, is a…
How long is Ghost in the Shell?
Ghost in the Shell runs 107 minutes, directed by Rupert Sanders, released in 2017.
Where can I read the full Ghost in the Shell parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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