Kundun (1997) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The Tibetans refer to the Dalai Lama as 'Kundun', which means 'The Presence'. He was forced to escape from his native home, Tibet, when communist China invaded and enforced an oppressive regime upon the peaceful nation. The Dalai Lama escaped to India in 1959 and has been living in exile in Dharamsala ever since.
Rated PG-13 • 1997 • 2h 14m
Martin Scorsese's biographical film "Kundun" earned its PG-13 rating primarily for violent images and mature thematic material. The film chronicles the life of the 14th Dalai Lama, from his discovery as a child to his eventual exile from Tibet following the Chinese invasion. Parents should be aware of several sequences of historical violence, stylized depictions of death, and a culturally specific funeral rite (a 'sky burial') that is… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Kundun appropriate for kids?
Martin Scorsese's biographical film "Kundun" earned its PG-13 rating primarily for violent images and mature thematic material. The film chronicles the life of the 14th Dalai Lama, from his discovery as a child to his eventual exile from Tibet following the Chinese invasion… Read more — free account
Content severity in Kundun
What happens in Kundun, moment by moment
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:45 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:51 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in Kundun
None. There is no sexual content or nudity in the film.
Violence and gore in Kundun
Moderate. The film's PG-13 rating is for 'violent images.' There is no graphic combat, but there are several disturbing sequences. One scene depicts a traditional Tibetan 'sky burial,' where a dead body is ritually dismembered and fed to vultures. Later, the Chinese invasion includes scenes of destruction, and the Dalai Lama has stylized, dreamlike visions of his people being shot and killed. The violence is historical and imagistic rather than visceral or gory.
Language in Kundun
None. There is no profanity used in the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Kundun
Mild. In one brief scene, a character is shown reclining and using an opium pipe.
Mature themes in Kundun
Strong. The film is built on mature and complex themes, including the loss of a homeland, political oppression, and religious persecution. The central conflict involves the Chinese invasion of Tibet and the attempt to erase its culture, with Chairman Mao calling religion 'poison.' The film also deals with death, including the loss of a parent and a detailed depiction of a funeral ritual, and the emotional weight of a child being separated from his family for a divine purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kundun appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Kundun is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Martin Scorsese's biographical film "Kundun" earned its PG-13 rating primarily for violent images and mature thematic material. The film chronicles the life of the 14th Dalai Lama, from his discovery as a child to his…
What age rating does Kundun have?
Kundun is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Kundun about?
Martin Scorsese's biographical film "Kundun" earned its PG-13 rating primarily for violent images and mature thematic material. The film chronicles the life of the 14th Dalai Lama, from his discovery as a child to his eventual exile from Tibet following the Chinese invasion. Parents should be aware of several…
Is there sex or nudity in Kundun?
None. There is no sexual content or nudity in the film.
How violent is Kundun?
Moderate. The film's PG-13 rating is for 'violent images.' There is no graphic combat, but there are several disturbing sequences. One scene depicts a traditional Tibetan 'sky burial,' where a dead body is ritually dismembered and fed to vultures. Later, the…
Is the language in Kundun appropriate for kids?
None. There is no profanity used in the film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Kundun?
Mild. In one brief scene, a character is shown reclining and using an opium pipe.
What mature themes appear in Kundun?
Strong. The film is built on mature and complex themes, including the loss of a homeland, political oppression, and religious persecution. The central conflict involves the Chinese invasion of Tibet and the attempt to erase its culture, with Chairman Mao…
How long is Kundun?
Kundun runs 134 minutes, directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 1997.
Where can I read the full Kundun 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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