Little Boy (2015) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
An eight-year-old boy is willing to do whatever it takes to end World War II so he can bring his father home. The story reveals the indescribable love a father has for his little boy and the love a son has for his father.
Rated PG-13 • 2015 • 1h 46m
Rated PG-13 for its mature themes and some violence, "Little Boy" is a faith-based drama that may be more intense than its title suggests. The film's rating is primarily driven by its handling of heavy topics, including the trauma of war, a parent's presumed death, pervasive racism (including frequent period-specific racial slurs), and bullying. While violence is not constant, it includes WWII battle scenes, a hate-fueled attack on a… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Little Boy appropriate for kids?
Rated PG-13 for its mature themes and some violence, "Little Boy" is a faith-based drama that may be more intense than its title suggests. The film's rating is primarily driven by its handling of heavy topics, including the trauma of war, a parent's presumed death, pervasive… Read more — free account
Content severity in Little Boy
What happens in Little Boy, moment by moment
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:21 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:32 💬 Language 5/10
Sex and nudity in Little Boy
Sexual content is virtually absent. There is a single, very mild moment of innuendo when a man visiting the family comments that his chair offers the 'best view' because he can see the mother bending over in the kitchen.
Violence and gore in Little Boy
Violence is moderate and tied to the WWII setting. There are scenes of bullying where the young protagonist is pushed and taunted. War scenes show soldiers firing weapons and explosions, but are mostly free of blood; one scene, however, shows a POW shot and bleeding from the mouth. A key sequence involves a racially-motivated attack on a man's home by townspeople. The film also includes archival footage of the atomic bomb's explosion and its devastating aftermath.
Language in Little Boy
Language includes period-appropriate but jarring racial slurs directed at a Japanese-American character, such as "Jap," "Nip," and "Dirty Jap." There is one use of "shit," in addition to milder terms like "crap," "idiot," and "stupid." The racial epithets are a significant part of the film's exploration of prejudice.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Little Boy
Substance use is light and contextual to the 1940s setting. A young man is briefly shown drinking from a flask. Characters are seen smoking cigarettes in a few scenes, and there is a brief scene in a bar where a man sips from a shot glass.
Mature themes in Little Boy
The film's strongest content is thematic. Core themes include the potential death of a parent in wartime, profound grief, and family separation. There is a heavy focus on racism and prejudice, which culminates in a violent hate crime. The main character is relentlessly bullied for his small stature. The entire narrative is built around themes of faith, prayer, and miracles in the face of despair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Little Boy appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Little Boy is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Rated PG-13 for its mature themes and some violence, "Little Boy" is a faith-based drama that may be more intense than its title suggests. The film's rating is primarily driven by its handling of heavy topics, including…
What age rating does Little Boy have?
Little Boy is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Little Boy about?
Rated PG-13 for its mature themes and some violence, "Little Boy" is a faith-based drama that may be more intense than its title suggests. The film's rating is primarily driven by its handling of heavy topics, including the trauma of war, a parent's presumed death, pervasive racism (including frequent period-specific…
Is there sex or nudity in Little Boy?
Sexual content is virtually absent. There is a single, very mild moment of innuendo when a man visiting the family comments that his chair offers the 'best view' because he can see the mother bending over in the kitchen.
How violent is Little Boy?
Violence is moderate and tied to the WWII setting. There are scenes of bullying where the young protagonist is pushed and taunted. War scenes show soldiers firing weapons and explosions, but are mostly free of blood; one scene, however, shows a POW shot and…
Is the language in Little Boy appropriate for kids?
Language includes period-appropriate but jarring racial slurs directed at a Japanese-American character, such as "Jap," "Nip," and "Dirty Jap." There is one use of "shit," in addition to milder terms like "crap," "idiot," and "stupid." The racial epithets are…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Little Boy?
Substance use is light and contextual to the 1940s setting. A young man is briefly shown drinking from a flask. Characters are seen smoking cigarettes in a few scenes, and there is a brief scene in a bar where a man sips from a shot glass.
What mature themes appear in Little Boy?
The film's strongest content is thematic. Core themes include the potential death of a parent in wartime, profound grief, and family separation. There is a heavy focus on racism and prejudice, which culminates in a violent hate crime. The main character is…
How long is Little Boy?
Little Boy runs 106 minutes, directed by Alejandro Monteverde, released in 2015.
Where can I read the full Little Boy parent guide?
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