Hidalgo (2004) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Set in 1890, this is the story of a Pony Express courier who travels to Arabia to compete with his horse, Hidalgo, in a dangerous race for a massive contest prize, in an adventure that sends the pair around the world...
Rated PG-13 • 2004 • 2h 16m
Hidalgo is rated PG-13 primarily for its adventure violence, which includes sword fights, gunplay, and a depiction of the historical Wounded Knee Massacre. The film follows cowboy Frank T. Hopkins and his horse, Hidalgo, as they compete in a grueling 3,000-mile race across the Arabian desert. Parents should be aware of several intense scenes, most notably a sequence where Hidalgo is severely injured in a trap. Other content includes… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Hidalgo appropriate for kids?
Hidalgo is rated PG-13 primarily for its adventure violence, which includes sword fights, gunplay, and a depiction of the historical Wounded Knee Massacre. The film follows cowboy Frank T. Hopkins and his horse, Hidalgo, as they compete in a grueling 3,000-mile race across the… Read more — free account
Content severity in Hidalgo
What happens in Hidalgo, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:10 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:28 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Sex and nudity in Hidalgo
Content is limited to brief and mild innuendo. One character makes a brief, unsuccessful romantic advance on Frank Hopkins. In one scene, a sheikh, believing his daughter's honor has been compromised, threatens to have Hopkins castrated as punishment. There are no sex scenes or nudity.
Violence and gore in Hidalgo
The film contains moderate adventure violence consistent with its PG-13 rating. There are multiple sequences of combat featuring swords, daggers, and guns, with some non-graphic stabbings and deaths. A key scene involves the horse Hidalgo falling into a pit and being impaled by a spike, followed by a tense, bloody scene of its removal. The film also includes a historically-based sequence depicting the beginning of the Wounded Knee Massacre, where U.S. soldiers open fire on a Native American camp.
Language in Hidalgo
Language is very mild and infrequent. There are a few uses of words like "hell" and "damn," but no stronger profanity.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Hidalgo
Substance use is light. Frank Hopkins is shown drinking alcohol in early scenes, depicted as a way of coping with his past trauma. Other characters are occasionally seen smoking tobacco products in passing.
Mature themes in Hidalgo
Major themes include guilt, prejudice, and perseverance. Frank Hopkins' character is defined by his deep guilt over his connection to the Wounded Knee Massacre. He also faces significant prejudice from other racers for being an American with an "impure" horse. The gruelling nature of the race and the intentional harm done to his horse present strong themes of animal endangerment and cruelty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hidalgo appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Hidalgo is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Hidalgo is rated PG-13 primarily for its adventure violence, which includes sword fights, gunplay, and a depiction of the historical Wounded Knee Massacre. The film follows cowboy Frank T. Hopkins and his horse…
What age rating does Hidalgo have?
Hidalgo is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Hidalgo about?
Hidalgo is rated PG-13 primarily for its adventure violence, which includes sword fights, gunplay, and a depiction of the historical Wounded Knee Massacre. The film follows cowboy Frank T. Hopkins and his horse, Hidalgo, as they compete in a grueling 3,000-mile race across the Arabian desert. Parents should be aware…
Is there sex or nudity in Hidalgo?
Content is limited to brief and mild innuendo. One character makes a brief, unsuccessful romantic advance on Frank Hopkins. In one scene, a sheikh, believing his daughter's honor has been compromised, threatens to have Hopkins castrated as punishment. There…
How violent is Hidalgo?
The film contains moderate adventure violence consistent with its PG-13 rating. There are multiple sequences of combat featuring swords, daggers, and guns, with some non-graphic stabbings and deaths. A key scene involves the horse Hidalgo falling into a pit…
Is the language in Hidalgo appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild and infrequent. There are a few uses of words like "hell" and "damn," but no stronger profanity.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Hidalgo?
Substance use is light. Frank Hopkins is shown drinking alcohol in early scenes, depicted as a way of coping with his past trauma. Other characters are occasionally seen smoking tobacco products in passing.
What mature themes appear in Hidalgo?
Major themes include guilt, prejudice, and perseverance. Frank Hopkins' character is defined by his deep guilt over his connection to the Wounded Knee Massacre. He also faces significant prejudice from other racers for being an American with an "impure"…
How long is Hidalgo?
Hidalgo runs 136 minutes, directed by Joe Johnston, released in 2004.
Where can I read the full Hidalgo 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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