Poster for Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M

Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Michael Kamen conducts the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra in support of metal rockers Metallica in this 1999 concert performance.

Rated NR • 1999 • 2h 30m

8.6
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

This unrated concert film captures Metallica performing with the San Francisco Symphony, blending heavy metal with classical arrangements. The film's rating is driven primarily by strong language and mature lyrical themes. Parents should be aware of multiple uses of the f-word, particularly in one song, as well as lyrical content that explores dark subjects like the horrors of war (in songs like "One"), addiction, and death. There is… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

James Hetfield
James Hetfield
Lars Ulrich
Lars Ulrich
Kirk Hammett
Kirk Hammett
Jason Newsted
Jason Newsted
Michael Kamen
Michael Kamen
SF
San Francisco Symphony
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Is Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M appropriate for kids?

This unrated concert film captures Metallica performing with the San Francisco Symphony, blending heavy metal with classical arrangements. The film's rating is driven primarily by strong language and mature lyrical themes. Parents should be aware of multiple uses of the f-word… Read more — free account

Content severity in Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Moderate 4/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Strong 6/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M, moment by moment

  1. 0:09 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:21 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
  3. 0:35 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Unlock all 10 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M

A single, brief, ad-libbed comment is made. During "The Memory Remains," vocalist James Hetfield says "aw, suck it." There is no other sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

Violence and gore in Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M

There is no on-screen physical violence. However, the lyrics to many of Metallica's songs contain violent themes and imagery related to war, death, and biblical plagues. For example, songs like "One" and "Creeping Death" describe acts of violence and their consequences in detail.

Language in Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M

Language is strong at times. The F-word is used multiple times, primarily concentrated in the lyrics of one cover song ("So What?") and also appears as an improvisation elsewhere. Milder profanity is also occasionally heard in song lyrics or stage banter.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M

There is no on-screen use of alcohol, drugs, or smoking. However, there is a clear lyrical reference to drug use in the song "Master of Puppets," with the line "Chop your breakfast on a mirror" referencing cocaine preparation. The song itself is a metaphor for addiction.

Mature themes in Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M

The film is a concert performance, and the themes are contained entirely within the song lyrics. These themes are mature and often dark, exploring the horrors of war and loss of self ("One"), drug addiction ("Master of Puppets"), mental anguish, and death ("For Whom the Bell Tolls").

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. This unrated concert film captures Metallica performing with the San Francisco Symphony, blending heavy metal with classical arrangements. The film's rating is driven primarily by strong language and mature lyrical…

What age rating does Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M have?

Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M about?

This unrated concert film captures Metallica performing with the San Francisco Symphony, blending heavy metal with classical arrangements. The film's rating is driven primarily by strong language and mature lyrical themes. Parents should be aware of multiple uses of the f-word, particularly in one song, as well as…

Is there sex or nudity in Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M?

A single, brief, ad-libbed comment is made. During "The Memory Remains," vocalist James Hetfield says "aw, suck it." There is no other sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

How violent is Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M?

There is no on-screen physical violence. However, the lyrics to many of Metallica's songs contain violent themes and imagery related to war, death, and biblical plagues. For example, songs like "One" and "Creeping Death" describe acts of violence and their…

Is the language in Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M appropriate for kids?

Language is strong at times. The F-word is used multiple times, primarily concentrated in the lyrics of one cover song ("So What?") and also appears as an improvisation elsewhere. Milder profanity is also occasionally heard in song lyrics or stage banter.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M?

There is no on-screen use of alcohol, drugs, or smoking. However, there is a clear lyrical reference to drug use in the song "Master of Puppets," with the line "Chop your breakfast on a mirror" referencing cocaine preparation. The song itself is a metaphor…

What mature themes appear in Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M?

The film is a concert performance, and the themes are contained entirely within the song lyrics. These themes are mature and often dark, exploring the horrors of war and loss of self ("One"), drug addiction ("Master of Puppets"), mental anguish, and death…

How long is Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M?

Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M runs 150 minutes, directed by Wayne Isham, released in 1999.

Where can I read the full Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M parent guide?

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