Poster for Norma Rae

Norma Rae (1979) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Norma Rae is a southern textile worker employed in a factory with intolerable working conditions. This concern about the situation gives her the gumption to be the key associate to a visiting labor union organizer. Together, they undertake the difficult, and possibly dangerous, struggle to unionize her factory.

Rated PG • 1979 • 1h 54m

7.2
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

A textile mill worker in the South helps a New York union organizer form a union — at personal cost. Sally Field won the Academy Award. The PG rating covers language and adult content.

Cast

Sally Field
Sally Field
Beau Bridges
Beau Bridges
Ron Leibman
Ron Leibman
Pat Hingle
Pat Hingle
Barbara Baxley
Barbara Baxley
Gail Strickland
Gail Strickland
Morgan Paull
Morgan Paull
RB
Robert Broyles
John Calvin
John Calvin
Booth Colman
Booth Colman
Lee de Broux
Lee de Broux
James Luisi
James Luisi
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Is Norma Rae appropriate for kids?

A textile mill worker in the South helps a New York union organizer form a union — at personal cost. Sally Field won the Academy Award. The PG rating covers language and adult content. Read more — free account

Content severity in Norma Rae

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence None 0/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Norma Rae, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  2. 0:12 💬 Language 4/10
  3. 0:35 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
Unlock all 6 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Norma Rae

The film depicts an extramarital affair with a level of frankness typical of late 1970s adult dramas. While not graphically explicit, the characters are shown in intimate situations that imply a sexual relationship without judgment or heavy moralizing. The content is mature but handled with narrative restraint.

Violence and gore in Norma Rae

There is no physical violence or gore present in this film. The conflict is primarily psychological and legal, revolving around the struggle to unionize the textile mill. The most intense moments involve verbal confrontations and the emotional weight of standing up to management.

Language in Norma Rae

The film contains several instances of moderate to strong language that push the boundaries of a modern PG rating. Characters use various profanities and epithets consistent with the gritty, working-class setting of the textile mill. These outbursts are usually triggered by moments of high stress or righteous anger during the labor dispute.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Norma Rae

There is no significant use of illegal drugs or problematic substance abuse depicted in the story. While characters may occasionally be seen in casual environments where alcohol is present, it is not a focal point of the plot or character development. Smoking is visible in some scenes, reflecting the era's social norms.

Mature themes in Norma Rae

A working-class woman discovering political consciousness. The mill owners' exploitation depicted specifically and honestly. The iconic moment where Norma holds up the 'UNION' sign while the machinery shuts down around her is one of cinema's great images of solidarity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Norma Rae appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Norma Rae is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG. A textile mill worker in the South helps a New York union organizer form a union — at personal cost. Sally Field won the Academy Award. The PG rating covers language and adult content.

What age rating does Norma Rae have?

Norma Rae is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Norma Rae about?

A textile mill worker in the South helps a New York union organizer form a union — at personal cost. Sally Field won the Academy Award. The PG rating covers language and adult content.

Is there sex or nudity in Norma Rae?

The film depicts an extramarital affair with a level of frankness typical of late 1970s adult dramas. While not graphically explicit, the characters are shown in intimate situations that imply a sexual relationship without judgment or heavy moralizing. The…

How violent is Norma Rae?

There is no physical violence or gore present in this film. The conflict is primarily psychological and legal, revolving around the struggle to unionize the textile mill. The most intense moments involve verbal confrontations and the emotional weight of…

Is the language in Norma Rae appropriate for kids?

The film contains several instances of moderate to strong language that push the boundaries of a modern PG rating. Characters use various profanities and epithets consistent with the gritty, working-class setting of the textile mill. These outbursts are…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Norma Rae?

There is no significant use of illegal drugs or problematic substance abuse depicted in the story. While characters may occasionally be seen in casual environments where alcohol is present, it is not a focal point of the plot or character development. Smoking…

What mature themes appear in Norma Rae?

A working-class woman discovering political consciousness. The mill owners' exploitation depicted specifically and honestly. The iconic moment where Norma holds up the 'UNION' sign while the machinery shuts down around her is one of cinema's great images of…

How long is Norma Rae?

Norma Rae runs 114 minutes, directed by Martin Ritt, released in 1979.

Where can I read the full Norma Rae parent guide?

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