Lion (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Lion is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Lion is a biographical drama that explores the life of Saroo, a boy who becomes separated from his biological family in India and is later adopted by an Australian couple. The PG-13 rating reflects the film's intense…

Lion is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

Lion is a biographical drama that explores the life of Saroo, a boy who becomes separated from his biological family in India and is later adopted by an Australian couple. The PG-13 rating reflects the film's intense emotional themes, including the trauma of childhood displacement and the struggles of a family coping…

Mild displays of affection occur between the adult Saroo and his girlfriend, including kissing and scenes in bed together. These moments are brief and non-explicit, showing the characters partially clothed without any nudity.

Violence is mild and grounded in the harsh reality of a lost child's life. Scenes include a boy being dragged away, a child suffering an accidental head injury, and a character hitting himself in distress.

Minor, infrequent insults are used throughout the dialogue, but the film lacks pervasive or strong profanity.

Mild depictions of social drinking and smoking are present among adult characters. Substance abuse is discussed as a struggle for one secondary character, though it is never shown on screen.

The film deals with heavy, mature subjects, including childhood abandonment, adoption, the trauma of separation from birth parents, and long-term search for identity. These themes are emotionally intense and central to the narrative.

Lion runs 118 minutes, directed by Garth Davis, released in 2016.

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