Poster for Microcosmos

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

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A documentary of insect life in meadows and ponds, using incredible close-ups, slow motion, and time-lapse photography. It includes bees collecting nectar, ladybugs eating mites, snails mating, spiders wrapping their catch, a scarab beetle relentlessly pushing its ball of dung uphill, endless lines of caterpillars, an underwater spider creating an air bubble to live in, and a mosquito hatching.

Rated G • 1996 • 1h 20m

7.6
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
6+

Microcosmos is a G-rated nature documentary that uses groundbreaking macro photography to explore the world of insects in a French meadow over a single day. The film's rating reflects its suitability for all ages, though parents should be aware of a few moments of natural, non-graphic predation, such as a spider capturing its prey. There are also brief, scientifically-presented scenes of insect mating, including a notable sequence with… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Jacques Perrin
Jacques Perrin
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Is Microcosmos appropriate for kids?

Microcosmos is a G-rated nature documentary that uses groundbreaking macro photography to explore the world of insects in a French meadow over a single day. The film's rating reflects its suitability for all ages, though parents should be aware of a few moments of natural… Read more — free account

Content severity in Microcosmos

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Moderate 3/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Moderate 3/10

What happens in Microcosmos, moment by moment

  1. 0:14 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
  2. 0:17 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
  3. 0:26 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
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Sex and nudity in Microcosmos

A few scenes depict insect reproduction in a non-explicit, biological manner. Two snails are shown mating in a sequence that resembles a dance or a kiss. In another scene, two ladybugs mate briefly. These moments are presented scientifically, without any anthropomorphism or sexual context, and are unlikely to be registered as sexual content by young children.

Violence and gore in Microcosmos

There are a few mild scenes of natural predation, which are part of the documentary's depiction of the food chain. For instance, a spider is shown wrapping a grasshopper in silk, and a pheasant pecks at the ground, eating insects. The violence is brief, not graphic, and presented as a matter-of-fact part of the insects' lives.

Language in Microcosmos

None. The film is almost entirely free of dialogue, relying on music and natural sounds to tell its story.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Microcosmos

None. No alcohol, drugs, or smoking are depicted.

Mature themes in Microcosmos

The film's main themes revolve around the circle of life, the struggle for survival on a microscopic scale, and the perseverance of nature. A recurring sequence of a dung beetle's immense effort to push its ball of dung highlights tenacity. The life cycle is shown through a mosquito hatching and caterpillars marching in a line. The peril insects face during a rainstorm serves as a major thematic element about survival against overwhelming odds.

Scary moments in Microcosmos

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Microcosmos 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Microcosmos appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Microcosmos is best for ages 6+. It's rated G. Microcosmos is a G-rated nature documentary that uses groundbreaking macro photography to explore the world of insects in a French meadow over a single day. The film's rating reflects its suitability for all ages…

What age rating does Microcosmos have?

Microcosmos is officially rated G. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 6+.

What is Microcosmos about?

Microcosmos is a G-rated nature documentary that uses groundbreaking macro photography to explore the world of insects in a French meadow over a single day. The film's rating reflects its suitability for all ages, though parents should be aware of a few moments of natural, non-graphic predation, such as a spider…

Is there sex or nudity in Microcosmos?

A few scenes depict insect reproduction in a non-explicit, biological manner. Two snails are shown mating in a sequence that resembles a dance or a kiss. In another scene, two ladybugs mate briefly. These moments are presented scientifically, without any…

How violent is Microcosmos?

There are a few mild scenes of natural predation, which are part of the documentary's depiction of the food chain. For instance, a spider is shown wrapping a grasshopper in silk, and a pheasant pecks at the ground, eating insects. The violence is brief, not…

Is the language in Microcosmos appropriate for kids?

None. The film is almost entirely free of dialogue, relying on music and natural sounds to tell its story.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Microcosmos?

None. No alcohol, drugs, or smoking are depicted.

What mature themes appear in Microcosmos?

The film's main themes revolve around the circle of life, the struggle for survival on a microscopic scale, and the perseverance of nature. A recurring sequence of a dung beetle's immense effort to push its ball of dung highlights tenacity. The life cycle is…

How long is Microcosmos?

Microcosmos runs 80 minutes, directed by Claude Nuridsany, Marie Pérennou, released in 1996.

Where can I read the full Microcosmos parent guide?

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