McFarland, USA (2015) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A track coach in a small California town transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders.
Rated PG • 2015 • 2h 8m
Based on a true story, "McFarland, USA" is an inspirational sports drama rated PG for its thematic material, some violence, and mild language. While largely a feel-good film about coach Jim White and his underdog cross-country team, parents should be aware of several mature moments. The most intense scene involves a principal character standing on a bridge contemplating suicide before being talked down. Another sequence deals with the… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is McFarland, USA appropriate for kids?
Based on a true story, "McFarland, USA" is an inspirational sports drama rated PG for its thematic material, some violence, and mild language. While largely a feel-good film about coach Jim White and his underdog cross-country team, parents should be aware of several mature… Read more — free account
Content severity in McFarland, USA
What happens in McFarland, USA, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:18 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:26 💬 Language 2/10
Sex and nudity in McFarland, USA
Sexual content is effectively absent. A married couple shares a few brief kisses, and teenage characters may hold hands. There is no nudity or sexual situations.
Violence and gore in McFarland, USA
Violence is moderate but impactful. In the opening, a coach throws a cleat in anger, hitting a student in the face and drawing blood. Following a quinceañera, the aftermath of an off-screen fight is shown: one character is bruised, another is taken away in an ambulance, and the incident is described as a "bloodbath" where knives were involved. A tense domestic scene shows an angry father yelling, throwing a bottle, and punching a wall. During races, there is some mild jostling and pushing between runners.
Language in McFarland, USA
Language is mild and infrequent. There are uses of "damn," "hell," "ass," and "crappy." One character is implied to say "bullshit" while covering it with a sneeze.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in McFarland, USA
Substance use is minimal. Adults are seen drinking beer and wine socially in a few background scenes, with no drunkenness depicted. In a moment of anger, a character throws a beer bottle.
Mature themes in McFarland, USA
The film contains significant thematic material. It frankly depicts the economic hardship and grueling work life of migrant agricultural families. There are scenes of domestic tension and an angry parent's implied abuse. The most intense thematic moment involves a teenage character contemplating suicide on a bridge due to family stress. Themes of cultural prejudice and the challenges of assimilation are present throughout.
Scary moments in McFarland, USA
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for McFarland, USA yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McFarland, USA appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests McFarland, USA is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Based on a true story, "McFarland, USA" is an inspirational sports drama rated PG for its thematic material, some violence, and mild language. While largely a feel-good film about coach Jim White and his underdog…
What age rating does McFarland, USA have?
McFarland, USA is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is McFarland, USA about?
Based on a true story, "McFarland, USA" is an inspirational sports drama rated PG for its thematic material, some violence, and mild language. While largely a feel-good film about coach Jim White and his underdog cross-country team, parents should be aware of several mature moments. The most intense scene involves a…
Is there sex or nudity in McFarland, USA?
Sexual content is effectively absent. A married couple shares a few brief kisses, and teenage characters may hold hands. There is no nudity or sexual situations.
How violent is McFarland, USA?
Violence is moderate but impactful. In the opening, a coach throws a cleat in anger, hitting a student in the face and drawing blood. Following a quinceañera, the aftermath of an off-screen fight is shown: one character is bruised, another is taken away in an…
Is the language in McFarland, USA appropriate for kids?
Language is mild and infrequent. There are uses of "damn," "hell," "ass," and "crappy." One character is implied to say "bullshit" while covering it with a sneeze.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in McFarland, USA?
Substance use is minimal. Adults are seen drinking beer and wine socially in a few background scenes, with no drunkenness depicted. In a moment of anger, a character throws a beer bottle.
What mature themes appear in McFarland, USA?
The film contains significant thematic material. It frankly depicts the economic hardship and grueling work life of migrant agricultural families. There are scenes of domestic tension and an angry parent's implied abuse. The most intense thematic moment…
How long is McFarland, USA?
McFarland, USA runs 128 minutes, directed by Niki Caro, released in 2015.
Where can I read the full McFarland, USA parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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