Man on Wire (2008) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
On August 7th 1974, French tightrope walker Philippe Petit stepped out on a high wire, illegally rigged between New York's World Trade Center twin towers, then the world's tallest buildings. After nearly an hour of performing on the wire, 1,350 feet above the sidewalks of Manhattan, he was arrested. This fun and spellbinding documentary chronicles Philippe Petit's "highest" achievement.
Rated PG-13 • 2008 • 1h 34m
A documentary about Philippe Petit's 1974 illegal high-wire walk between the Twin Towers. The PG-13 rating is primarily for a brief scene involving sexual content. An extraordinary, joyful, and thrilling film — one of the most purely enjoyable documentaries on this list. Appropriate for most children.
Cast
Is Man on Wire appropriate for kids?
A documentary about Philippe Petit's 1974 illegal high-wire walk between the Twin Towers. The PG-13 rating is primarily for a brief scene involving sexual content. An extraordinary, joyful, and thrilling film — one of the most purely enjoyable documentaries on this list… Read more — free account
Content severity in Man on Wire
What happens in Man on Wire, moment by moment
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:35 💬 Language 2/10
- 0:50 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Sex and nudity in Man on Wire
A brief mention that Petit celebrated the walk with a woman who was not his partner — shown with one non-graphic shot. Not a significant element.
Violence and gore in Man on Wire
There are no depictions of physical violence or gore throughout the documentary. While the central feat is inherently dangerous, the film focuses on the artistry and preparation of the walk rather than any physical harm. The tension is derived entirely from the extreme heights and the risk of a fall, which remains theoretical.
Language in Man on Wire
The film contains infrequent mild to moderate language, including one or two uses of the 'f-word' and 's-word' used in a documentary context. Some profanity occurs during animated storytelling as the subjects recount the stress of their illegal operation. Overall, the dialogue is respectful and consistent with a standard PG-13 rating for a documentary.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Man on Wire
There is no significant use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or smoking depicted in the film. The subjects are focused on their physical training and the logistics of the heist, leaving no room for substance-related content. Any minor background details of common social habits do not impact the narrative or the film's family-friendly tone.
Mature themes in Man on Wire
The film is fundamentally celebratory — about audacity, artistry, and the human desire to do something beautiful and impossible. The Twin Towers as their backdrop is never addressed directly, leaving a space of quiet grief that the film handles with great taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Man on Wire appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Man on Wire is best for ages 11+. It's rated PG-13. A documentary about Philippe Petit's 1974 illegal high-wire walk between the Twin Towers. The PG-13 rating is primarily for a brief scene involving sexual content. An extraordinary, joyful, and thrilling film — one of…
What age rating does Man on Wire have?
Man on Wire is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 11+.
What is Man on Wire about?
A documentary about Philippe Petit's 1974 illegal high-wire walk between the Twin Towers. The PG-13 rating is primarily for a brief scene involving sexual content. An extraordinary, joyful, and thrilling film — one of the most purely enjoyable documentaries on this list. Appropriate for most children.
Is there sex or nudity in Man on Wire?
A brief mention that Petit celebrated the walk with a woman who was not his partner — shown with one non-graphic shot. Not a significant element.
How violent is Man on Wire?
There are no depictions of physical violence or gore throughout the documentary. While the central feat is inherently dangerous, the film focuses on the artistry and preparation of the walk rather than any physical harm. The tension is derived entirely from…
Is the language in Man on Wire appropriate for kids?
The film contains infrequent mild to moderate language, including one or two uses of the 'f-word' and 's-word' used in a documentary context. Some profanity occurs during animated storytelling as the subjects recount the stress of their illegal operation…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Man on Wire?
There is no significant use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or smoking depicted in the film. The subjects are focused on their physical training and the logistics of the heist, leaving no room for substance-related content. Any minor background details of common…
What mature themes appear in Man on Wire?
The film is fundamentally celebratory — about audacity, artistry, and the human desire to do something beautiful and impossible. The Twin Towers as their backdrop is never addressed directly, leaving a space of quiet grief that the film handles with great…
How long is Man on Wire?
Man on Wire runs 94 minutes, directed by James Marsh, released in 2008.
Where can I read the full Man on Wire parent guide?
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