Lawless (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In 1931, the Bondurant brothers of Franklin County, Virginia, run a multipurpose backwoods establishment that hides their true business — bootlegging. Middle brother Forrest is the brain of the operation; older Howard is the brawn, and younger Jack, the lookout. Though the local police have taken bribes and left the brothers alone, a violent war erupts when a sadistic lawman from Chicago arrives and tries to shut down the Bondurants operation.
Rated R • 2012 • 1h 55m
Lawless is a gritty 1930s crime drama centered on the Bondurant brothers, who operate a moonshine business in rural Virginia. The film receives an R rating primarily for its frequent, intense, and bloody violence, including scenes of brutal torture and realistic injury. Viewers should also be prepared for pervasive profanity, sexual situations, and scenes of sexual violence that are implied or shown in the aftermath. Due to its dark… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Lawless appropriate for kids?
Lawless is a gritty 1930s crime drama centered on the Bondurant brothers, who operate a moonshine business in rural Virginia. The film receives an R rating primarily for its frequent, intense, and bloody violence, including scenes of brutal torture and realistic injury. Viewers… Read more — free account
Content severity in Lawless
What happens in Lawless, moment by moment
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:25 🍷 Substances 4/10
- 0:42 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in Lawless
The film contains moderate sexual content, including scenes showing a woman undressing and intimate encounters. Sexual violence is a significant element, with an off-screen rape of a female character depicted through aftermath scenes, such as bruises and emotional distress.
Violence and gore in Lawless
The violence is severe, frequent, and often graphic. It includes realistic depictions of gunfights, beatings, throat-slitting, and deliberate acts of torture, such as the castration of a character. Bloody injuries and gore are shown throughout the runtime.
Language in Lawless
The dialogue is pervasive with strong language, including frequent use of the F-word, 'shit', 'goddamn', and various other slurs or derogatory terms used by characters throughout the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Lawless
Substance use is constant, as the plot centers on the production and distribution of moonshine during Prohibition. Characters are frequently seen drinking to excess, handling alcohol, and smoking cigarettes in almost every environment.
Mature themes in Lawless
Themes include corruption, criminal enterprise, the trauma of violence, and the loss of life. The story focuses on the brutal fallout of a criminal lifestyle, including the mourning of family and friends lost in gangland warfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lawless appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Lawless is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Lawless is a gritty 1930s crime drama centered on the Bondurant brothers, who operate a moonshine business in rural Virginia. The film receives an R rating primarily for its frequent, intense, and bloody violence…
What age rating does Lawless have?
Lawless is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Lawless about?
Lawless is a gritty 1930s crime drama centered on the Bondurant brothers, who operate a moonshine business in rural Virginia. The film receives an R rating primarily for its frequent, intense, and bloody violence, including scenes of brutal torture and realistic injury. Viewers should also be prepared for pervasive…
Is there sex or nudity in Lawless?
The film contains moderate sexual content, including scenes showing a woman undressing and intimate encounters. Sexual violence is a significant element, with an off-screen rape of a female character depicted through aftermath scenes, such as bruises and…
How violent is Lawless?
The violence is severe, frequent, and often graphic. It includes realistic depictions of gunfights, beatings, throat-slitting, and deliberate acts of torture, such as the castration of a character. Bloody injuries and gore are shown throughout the runtime.
Is the language in Lawless appropriate for kids?
The dialogue is pervasive with strong language, including frequent use of the F-word, 'shit', 'goddamn', and various other slurs or derogatory terms used by characters throughout the film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Lawless?
Substance use is constant, as the plot centers on the production and distribution of moonshine during Prohibition. Characters are frequently seen drinking to excess, handling alcohol, and smoking cigarettes in almost every environment.
What mature themes appear in Lawless?
Themes include corruption, criminal enterprise, the trauma of violence, and the loss of life. The story focuses on the brutal fallout of a criminal lifestyle, including the mourning of family and friends lost in gangland warfare.
How long is Lawless?
Lawless runs 115 minutes, directed by John Hillcoat, released in 2012.
Where can I read the full Lawless 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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