Magnolia (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
On one random day in the San Fernando Valley, a dying father, a young wife, a male caretaker, a famous lost son, a police officer in love, a boy genius, an ex-boy genius, a game show host and an estranged daughter will each become part of a dazzling multiplicity of plots, but one story.
Rated R • 1999 • 3h 9m
Magnolia's R rating is earned for its pervasive strong language, significant drug use, and overwhelmingly mature and intense thematic content. The film weaves together the stories of several deeply troubled characters in the San Fernando Valley, including a misogynistic self-help guru named Frank and a drug-addicted woman named Claudia, as they grapple with terminal illness, parental abuse, profound regret, and suicide. The emotional… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Magnolia appropriate for kids?
Magnolia's R rating is earned for its pervasive strong language, significant drug use, and overwhelmingly mature and intense thematic content. The film weaves together the stories of several deeply troubled characters in the San Fernando Valley, including a misogynistic… Read more — free account
Content severity in Magnolia
What happens in Magnolia, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:04 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
- 0:09 ♥ Sex & Nudity 7/10
Sex and nudity in Magnolia
Contains strong sexual themes and crude dialogue, primarily centered on the character of Frank, a pickup artist who hosts seminars filled with misogynistic and explicit advice on manipulating women. He uses very strong sexual slurs, including "c--t." In the film's opening minutes, there is a brief scene with a woman's breasts visible, and another scene implies a clothed sexual encounter. There are also references to adult videos.
Violence and gore in Magnolia
Violence is infrequent but includes several disturbing and impactful scenes. The opening montage depicts a series of strange deaths, including three men being hanged and a teenager who is shot mid-jump from a building (a bloody wound is shown). Two characters attempt suicide: one by overdosing on pills and another who puts a gun in his mouth. A character falls from a significant height and suffers bloody facial injuries. An ambulance crashes, though no injuries are shown.
Language in Magnolia
Language is pervasive and extremely strong throughout the film's three-hour runtime. There are well over 150 uses of "f--k" and its derivatives. Other severe profanity is frequent, including multiple uses of "c--t," "c--ksucker," "motherf----r," "shit," and "asshole." God's name is also used as an expletive frequently.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Magnolia
Substance use is prominent and central to several characters' storylines. One main character, Claudia, is a cocaine addict and is shown snorting the drug. Another character, Linda, attempts suicide by overdosing on a combination of prescription medications and alcohol. Characters are frequently shown drinking alcohol, sometimes to excess, and a dying character is administered morphine for pain.
Mature themes in Magnolia
The film is built on intensely mature and often distressing themes. Terminal cancer and the process of dying are central to two major plotlines. Themes of parental neglect, emotional abuse (of a child), and implied sexual abuse are core to the family conflicts. Suicide is a recurring motif, with multiple characters attempting or contemplating it. The overarching tone is one of regret, loneliness, an agonizing search for forgiveness, and emotional breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magnolia appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Magnolia is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Magnolia's R rating is earned for its pervasive strong language, significant drug use, and overwhelmingly mature and intense thematic content. The film weaves together the stories of several deeply troubled characters…
What age rating does Magnolia have?
Magnolia is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Magnolia about?
Magnolia's R rating is earned for its pervasive strong language, significant drug use, and overwhelmingly mature and intense thematic content. The film weaves together the stories of several deeply troubled characters in the San Fernando Valley, including a misogynistic self-help guru named Frank and a drug-addicted…
Is there sex or nudity in Magnolia?
Contains strong sexual themes and crude dialogue, primarily centered on the character of Frank, a pickup artist who hosts seminars filled with misogynistic and explicit advice on manipulating women. He uses very strong sexual slurs, including "c--t." In the…
How violent is Magnolia?
Violence is infrequent but includes several disturbing and impactful scenes. The opening montage depicts a series of strange deaths, including three men being hanged and a teenager who is shot mid-jump from a building (a bloody wound is shown). Two characters…
Is the language in Magnolia appropriate for kids?
Language is pervasive and extremely strong throughout the film's three-hour runtime. There are well over 150 uses of "f--k" and its derivatives. Other severe profanity is frequent, including multiple uses of "c--t," "c--ksucker," "motherf----r," "shit," and…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Magnolia?
Substance use is prominent and central to several characters' storylines. One main character, Claudia, is a cocaine addict and is shown snorting the drug. Another character, Linda, attempts suicide by overdosing on a combination of prescription medications…
What mature themes appear in Magnolia?
The film is built on intensely mature and often distressing themes. Terminal cancer and the process of dying are central to two major plotlines. Themes of parental neglect, emotional abuse (of a child), and implied sexual abuse are core to the family…
How long is Magnolia?
Magnolia runs 189 minutes, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, released in 1999.
Where can I read the full Magnolia parent guide?
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