Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Ricky is a defiant young city kid who finds himself on the run with his cantankerous foster uncle in the wild New Zealand bush. A national manhunt ensues, and the two are forced to put aside their differences and work together to survive.
Rated PG-13 • 2016 • 1h 41m
Hunt for the Wilderpeople follows a troubled youth, Ricky, and his reluctant foster uncle, Hector, as they go on the run in the New Zealand bush. This PG-13 film contains frequent, sometimes strong language and thematic discussions regarding child abuse and neglect. Parents should be aware of scenes involving animal death and intense manhunt peril that may upset younger viewers. While the film is a poignant coming-of-age story, its… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Hunt for the Wilderpeople appropriate for kids?
Hunt for the Wilderpeople follows a troubled youth, Ricky, and his reluctant foster uncle, Hector, as they go on the run in the New Zealand bush. This PG-13 film contains frequent, sometimes strong language and thematic discussions regarding child abuse and neglect. Parents… Read more — free account
Content severity in Hunt for the Wilderpeople
What happens in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, moment by moment
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:22 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:28 🍷 Substances 2/10
Sex and nudity in Hunt for the Wilderpeople
The film features off-color jokes and a significant plot point involving false allegations of sexual impropriety. A child character makes suggestive remarks that imply pedophilia or abuse, and a government agent uses the threat of labeling a character a sex offender as a tool for manipulation.
Violence and gore in Hunt for the Wilderpeople
There are occasional violent moments, including the stabbing of a wild boar and a character being shot in the buttocks. The most intense scene involves the necessary shooting of an injured dog, though the act occurs slightly off-screen. Other moments include minor scrapes and an accidental shooting near the film's conclusion.
Language in Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Profanity is frequent and includes several uses of 'shit', 'bastard', 'arsehole', and 'wanker'. There are also approximately two dozen uses of 'hell', multiple instances of 'bloody', and occasional uses of 'dick'.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Substance use is very light; a character jokingly offers a joint to a minor, and the protagonist mentions a desire to become a drug dealer. Neither behavior is depicted as serious or habitual.
Mature themes in Hunt for the Wilderpeople
The narrative deals with heavy topics including the death of a foster mother, systemic failures of the foster care system, and the trauma of abandonment. Characters grapple with grief and social isolation throughout the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hunt for the Wilderpeople appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Hunt for the Wilderpeople is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Hunt for the Wilderpeople follows a troubled youth, Ricky, and his reluctant foster uncle, Hector, as they go on the run in the New Zealand bush. This PG-13 film contains frequent, sometimes strong language and thematic…
What age rating does Hunt for the Wilderpeople have?
Hunt for the Wilderpeople is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Hunt for the Wilderpeople about?
Hunt for the Wilderpeople follows a troubled youth, Ricky, and his reluctant foster uncle, Hector, as they go on the run in the New Zealand bush. This PG-13 film contains frequent, sometimes strong language and thematic discussions regarding child abuse and neglect. Parents should be aware of scenes involving animal…
Is there sex or nudity in Hunt for the Wilderpeople?
The film features off-color jokes and a significant plot point involving false allegations of sexual impropriety. A child character makes suggestive remarks that imply pedophilia or abuse, and a government agent uses the threat of labeling a character a sex…
How violent is Hunt for the Wilderpeople?
There are occasional violent moments, including the stabbing of a wild boar and a character being shot in the buttocks. The most intense scene involves the necessary shooting of an injured dog, though the act occurs slightly off-screen. Other moments include…
Is the language in Hunt for the Wilderpeople appropriate for kids?
Profanity is frequent and includes several uses of 'shit', 'bastard', 'arsehole', and 'wanker'. There are also approximately two dozen uses of 'hell', multiple instances of 'bloody', and occasional uses of 'dick'.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Hunt for the Wilderpeople?
Substance use is very light; a character jokingly offers a joint to a minor, and the protagonist mentions a desire to become a drug dealer. Neither behavior is depicted as serious or habitual.
What mature themes appear in Hunt for the Wilderpeople?
The narrative deals with heavy topics including the death of a foster mother, systemic failures of the foster care system, and the trauma of abandonment. Characters grapple with grief and social isolation throughout the journey.
How long is Hunt for the Wilderpeople?
Hunt for the Wilderpeople runs 101 minutes, directed by Taika Waititi, released in 2016.
Where can I read the full Hunt for the Wilderpeople parent guide?
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