Key of Life (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A failed actor switches identities with a stranger at a bath house thinking it is his way out of his life of misery but only to find himself filling the shoes of an elite assassin.
Rated NR • 2012 • 2h 8m
Key of Life is a Japanese dark comedy about a struggling actor, Sakurai, who seizes an opportunity to switch identities with an amnesiac man he believes is wealthy, only to discover he has stepped into the life of an elite assassin. The film's unrated status belies its generally moderate content, which would likely earn a PG-13 rating. The main content concerns are thematic violence and peril related to hitmen and yakuza gangsters… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Key of Life appropriate for kids?
Key of Life is a Japanese dark comedy about a struggling actor, Sakurai, who seizes an opportunity to switch identities with an amnesiac man he believes is wealthy, only to discover he has stepped into the life of an elite assassin. The film's unrated status belies its generally… Read more — free account
Content severity in Key of Life
What happens in Key of Life, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:10 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:11 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in Key of Life
Contains one mild scene of non-sexual nudity. Early in the film, characters are in a public bathhouse where multiple men are seen from the back, showing bare buttocks. The scene is comedic in nature and does not contain any sexual activity or front-facing nudity.
Violence and gore in Key of Life
The violence is moderate in intensity and largely psychological rather than graphic. The plot involves a hitman and yakuza, leading to scenes of peril, threats, and intimidation. A character is shown tied to a chair and threatened, and there are tense confrontations. One man hits his head after slipping and is knocked unconscious. The focus is on suspense and the stakes of the mistaken identity, not on blood or gore.
Language in Key of Life
Profanity is mild and used infrequently. Viewers may hear some minor expletives or insults used during tense confrontations with criminals, but there is no strong or pervasive language.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Key of Life
Substance use is light. Characters are occasionally seen drinking beer or wine in social contexts, such as during meals at home or in restaurants. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.
Mature themes in Key of Life
The film explores mature themes of identity, suicide, crime, and redemption through a comedic lens. The opening scene shows the main character preparing to take his own life out of despair, though he is interrupted. The core of the movie revolves around deception, amnesia, and the moral complexities of living a criminal's life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Key of Life appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Key of Life is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. Key of Life is a Japanese dark comedy about a struggling actor, Sakurai, who seizes an opportunity to switch identities with an amnesiac man he believes is wealthy, only to discover he has stepped into the life of an…
What age rating does Key of Life have?
Key of Life is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Key of Life about?
Key of Life is a Japanese dark comedy about a struggling actor, Sakurai, who seizes an opportunity to switch identities with an amnesiac man he believes is wealthy, only to discover he has stepped into the life of an elite assassin. The film's unrated status belies its generally moderate content, which would likely…
Is there sex or nudity in Key of Life?
Contains one mild scene of non-sexual nudity. Early in the film, characters are in a public bathhouse where multiple men are seen from the back, showing bare buttocks. The scene is comedic in nature and does not contain any sexual activity or front-facing…
How violent is Key of Life?
The violence is moderate in intensity and largely psychological rather than graphic. The plot involves a hitman and yakuza, leading to scenes of peril, threats, and intimidation. A character is shown tied to a chair and threatened, and there are tense…
Is the language in Key of Life appropriate for kids?
Profanity is mild and used infrequently. Viewers may hear some minor expletives or insults used during tense confrontations with criminals, but there is no strong or pervasive language.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Key of Life?
Substance use is light. Characters are occasionally seen drinking beer or wine in social contexts, such as during meals at home or in restaurants. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.
What mature themes appear in Key of Life?
The film explores mature themes of identity, suicide, crime, and redemption through a comedic lens. The opening scene shows the main character preparing to take his own life out of despair, though he is interrupted. The core of the movie revolves around…
How long is Key of Life?
Key of Life runs 128 minutes, directed by Kenji Uchida, released in 2012.
Where can I read the full Key of Life 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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