Poster for Looking for Richard

Looking for Richard (1996) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."

Rated PG-13 • 1996 • 1h 52m

6.8
100+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

This documentary follows Al Pacino as he explores Shakespeare's "Richard III," blending interviews, rehearsal footage, and staged scenes from the play. The PG-13 rating is primarily for staged but sometimes bloody violence and some strong language. Key moments include a bloody stabbing and a battle scene, as well as several uses of the "f-word" in the modern documentary segments. The film's themes of political assassination, tyranny… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Al Pacino
Al Pacino
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder
Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey
Alec Baldwin
Alec Baldwin
Aidan Quinn
Aidan Quinn
Harris Yulin
Harris Yulin
PA
Penelope Allen
Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh
Kevin Kline
Kevin Kline
James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones
Rosemary Harris
Rosemary Harris
Peter Brook
Peter Brook
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Is Looking for Richard appropriate for kids?

This documentary follows Al Pacino as he explores Shakespeare's "Richard III," blending interviews, rehearsal footage, and staged scenes from the play. The PG-13 rating is primarily for staged but sometimes bloody violence and some strong language. Key moments include a bloody… Read more — free account

Content severity in Looking for Richard

Sex None 0/10
Violence Intense 8/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in Looking for Richard, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 💬 Language 7/10
  2. 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  3. 0:22 💬 Language 4/10
Unlock all 12 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Looking for Richard

None. There is no sexual content or nudity in the film.

Violence and gore in Looking for Richard

Most violence is theatrical and presented as part of a staged play. However, a few moments are more intense and bloody, including a scene where a man is abruptly stabbed in the throat with visible blood. The climax features a chaotic battlefield sequence with sword fighting, and Richard III's death shows him being shot with arrows and then stabbed. Several other killings are discussed or happen off-screen.

Language in Looking for Richard

Modern-day discussions and rehearsals contain some profanity. The IMDb guide notes approximately three uses of the "f-word." Other language includes multiple uses of "bastard" (some in the original Shakespearean context) as well as "hell," "damn," and "ass."

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Looking for Richard

There are brief, incidental scenes of actors smoking cigarettes or drinking wine during roundtable discussions and rehearsals. This content is minor and not central to the film.

Mature themes in Looking for Richard

Thematic content is derived from Shakespeare's play and is mature. It revolves around unchecked ambition, political murder, tyranny, and deceit. A central plot point involves Richard plotting and carrying out the murder of his two young nephews for political gain, which is discussed frankly. The film explores themes of good versus evil and the corrupting nature of power.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Looking for Richard appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Looking for Richard is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This documentary follows Al Pacino as he explores Shakespeare's "Richard III," blending interviews, rehearsal footage, and staged scenes from the play. The PG-13 rating is primarily for staged but sometimes bloody…

What age rating does Looking for Richard have?

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

What is Looking for Richard about?

This documentary follows Al Pacino as he explores Shakespeare's "Richard III," blending interviews, rehearsal footage, and staged scenes from the play. The PG-13 rating is primarily for staged but sometimes bloody violence and some strong language. Key moments include a bloody stabbing and a battle scene, as well as…

Is there sex or nudity in Looking for Richard?

None. There is no sexual content or nudity in the film.

How violent is Looking for Richard?

Most violence is theatrical and presented as part of a staged play. However, a few moments are more intense and bloody, including a scene where a man is abruptly stabbed in the throat with visible blood. The climax features a chaotic battlefield sequence with…

Is the language in Looking for Richard appropriate for kids?

Modern-day discussions and rehearsals contain some profanity. The IMDb guide notes approximately three uses of the "f-word." Other language includes multiple uses of "bastard" (some in the original Shakespearean context) as well as "hell," "damn," and "ass."

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Looking for Richard?

There are brief, incidental scenes of actors smoking cigarettes or drinking wine during roundtable discussions and rehearsals. This content is minor and not central to the film.

What mature themes appear in Looking for Richard?

Thematic content is derived from Shakespeare's play and is mature. It revolves around unchecked ambition, political murder, tyranny, and deceit. A central plot point involves Richard plotting and carrying out the murder of his two young nephews for political…

How long is Looking for Richard?

Looking for Richard runs 112 minutes, directed by Al Pacino, released in 1996.

Where can I read the full Looking for Richard parent guide?

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