Poster for Music of the Heart

Music of the Heart (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

After Roberta Guaspari separates from her husband, she receives encouragement from her mother to take up a job of a music teacher at the Central Park East School in East Harlem.

Rated PG • 1999 • 2h 4m

6.7
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
10+

Based on a true story, "Music of the Heart" follows Roberta Guaspari, a woman who rebuilds her life after a difficult divorce by starting a violin program for children in East Harlem. Its PG rating is for brief mild language and mature thematic elements, which are the most prominent content concerns for parents. The film explores the emotional fallout of divorce and infidelity, scenes of a character's deep despair, and the bureaucratic… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep
Aidan Quinn
Aidan Quinn
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett
Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan
Cloris Leachman
Cloris Leachman
Josh Pais
Josh Pais
Jane Leeves
Jane Leeves
Kieran Culkin
Kieran Culkin
Charlie Hofheimer
Charlie Hofheimer
Jay O. Sanders
Jay O. Sanders
HD
Henry Dinhofer
Michael Angarano
Michael Angarano
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Is Music of the Heart appropriate for kids?

Based on a true story, "Music of the Heart" follows Roberta Guaspari, a woman who rebuilds her life after a difficult divorce by starting a violin program for children in East Harlem. Its PG rating is for brief mild language and mature thematic elements, which are the most… Read more — free account

Content severity in Music of the Heart

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Moderate 4/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Music of the Heart, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  2. 0:12 💬 Language 3/10
  3. 0:25 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
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Sex and nudity in Music of the Heart

This category is very light. The MPAA's mention of "sensuality" refers to some romantic tension between adult characters and a couple of brief, non-passionate kisses. There is no sexual innuendo or nudity.

Violence and gore in Music of the Heart

Violence is minimal and consists of emotionally charged arguments rather than physical conflict. Characters, including the main protagonist, shout in frustration during tense moments, such as when dealing with a difficult divorce or a disruptive classroom. A violin is smashed in a moment of anger, which may be startling.

Language in Music of the Heart

Language is brief and mild, in line with its PG rating. There are a few instances of words like "damn," "hell," and "ass," typically used during moments of high emotion or frustration.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Music of the Heart

There is some casual and social drinking by adults. Characters are briefly seen with wine at dinner or during social gatherings. No character is shown intoxicated and there is no depiction of drug use.

Mature themes in Music of the Heart

The film's most significant content involves mature themes. It opens with the painful collapse of a marriage due to infidelity, and the main character's subsequent emotional breakdown and depression are shown. It also deals with the challenges of single parenting, socioeconomic disparities in education, and the frustrating struggle against bureaucratic indifference when the music program's funding is cut.

Scary moments in Music of the Heart

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Music of the Heart 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 Music of the Heart appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Music of the Heart is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Based on a true story, "Music of the Heart" follows Roberta Guaspari, a woman who rebuilds her life after a difficult divorce by starting a violin program for children in East Harlem. Its PG rating is for brief mild…

What age rating does Music of the Heart have?

Music of the Heart is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Music of the Heart about?

Based on a true story, "Music of the Heart" follows Roberta Guaspari, a woman who rebuilds her life after a difficult divorce by starting a violin program for children in East Harlem. Its PG rating is for brief mild language and mature thematic elements, which are the most prominent content concerns for parents. The…

Is there sex or nudity in Music of the Heart?

This category is very light. The MPAA's mention of "sensuality" refers to some romantic tension between adult characters and a couple of brief, non-passionate kisses. There is no sexual innuendo or nudity.

How violent is Music of the Heart?

Violence is minimal and consists of emotionally charged arguments rather than physical conflict. Characters, including the main protagonist, shout in frustration during tense moments, such as when dealing with a difficult divorce or a disruptive classroom. A…

Is the language in Music of the Heart appropriate for kids?

Language is brief and mild, in line with its PG rating. There are a few instances of words like "damn," "hell," and "ass," typically used during moments of high emotion or frustration.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Music of the Heart?

There is some casual and social drinking by adults. Characters are briefly seen with wine at dinner or during social gatherings. No character is shown intoxicated and there is no depiction of drug use.

What mature themes appear in Music of the Heart?

The film's most significant content involves mature themes. It opens with the painful collapse of a marriage due to infidelity, and the main character's subsequent emotional breakdown and depression are shown. It also deals with the challenges of single…

How long is Music of the Heart?

Music of the Heart runs 124 minutes, directed by Wes Craven, released in 1999.

Where can I read the full Music of the Heart parent guide?

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