Paris Is Burning (1991) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is throwing shade? This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. Made over seven years, PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion "houses," from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty. Featuring legendary voguers, drag queens, and trans women — including… Sign up for the full guide
Rated R • 1991 • 1h 18m
The documentary 'Paris Is Burning' earns its R rating for language, sexuality, and intense thematic material. It provides an intimate look into New York City's 1980s drag ball subculture, primarily featuring Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ performers. While celebratory, the film does not shy away from the harsh realities its subjects faced, including poverty, racism, transphobia, the AIDS epidemic, and violence, culminating in the tragic… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Paris Is Burning appropriate for kids?
The documentary 'Paris Is Burning' earns its R rating for language, sexuality, and intense thematic material. It provides an intimate look into New York City's 1980s drag ball subculture, primarily featuring Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ performers. While celebratory, the film does… Read more — free account
Content severity in Paris Is Burning
What happens in Paris Is Burning, moment by moment
- 0:05 💬 Language 7/10
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
Sex and nudity in Paris Is Burning
There are frank and mature discussions about gender identity, sexuality, and sex work. Some interviews detail desires for gender reassignment surgery. During some of the ball scenes and in one interview context, there are brief glimpses of topless individuals (breasts are visible). One scene reportedly contains brief, non-sexual full-frontal male nudity.
Violence and gore in Paris Is Burning
There is no on-screen physical violence. However, the film contains intense and upsetting material. Characters recount past experiences with bigotry. The most significant moment involves the detailed, verbal description of the discovery of a major character who has been brutally murdered, which is emotionally impactful.
Language in Paris Is Burning
Language is strong and frequent, warranting the R rating. The F-word is used dozens of times in casual conversation. Homophobic slurs, particularly 'f----t,' and some racial slurs are used by the subjects when discussing the prejudice they face.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Paris Is Burning
Substance use is mild and reflects the setting. Characters are frequently seen smoking cigarettes during interviews and social gatherings. Alcohol, such as beer and champagne, is consumed at the balls.
Mature themes in Paris Is Burning
Thematic content is very strong and mature. The film is a raw exploration of identity, poverty, racism, homophobia, and transphobia. Key themes include the concept of the 'found family,' the desire for fame and acceptance, and the struggle for survival. The looming threat of the AIDS crisis, discussion of being disowned by family, and the murder of a central figure are all deeply poignant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paris Is Burning appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Paris Is Burning is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. The documentary 'Paris Is Burning' earns its R rating for language, sexuality, and intense thematic material. It provides an intimate look into New York City's 1980s drag ball subculture, primarily featuring Black and…
What age rating does Paris Is Burning have?
Paris Is Burning is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Paris Is Burning about?
The documentary 'Paris Is Burning' earns its R rating for language, sexuality, and intense thematic material. It provides an intimate look into New York City's 1980s drag ball subculture, primarily featuring Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ performers. While celebratory, the film does not shy away from the harsh realities its…
Is there sex or nudity in Paris Is Burning?
There are frank and mature discussions about gender identity, sexuality, and sex work. Some interviews detail desires for gender reassignment surgery. During some of the ball scenes and in one interview context, there are brief glimpses of topless individuals…
How violent is Paris Is Burning?
There is no on-screen physical violence. However, the film contains intense and upsetting material. Characters recount past experiences with bigotry. The most significant moment involves the detailed, verbal description of the discovery of a major character…
Is the language in Paris Is Burning appropriate for kids?
Language is strong and frequent, warranting the R rating. The F-word is used dozens of times in casual conversation. Homophobic slurs, particularly 'f----t,' and some racial slurs are used by the subjects when discussing the prejudice they face.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Paris Is Burning?
Substance use is mild and reflects the setting. Characters are frequently seen smoking cigarettes during interviews and social gatherings. Alcohol, such as beer and champagne, is consumed at the balls.
What mature themes appear in Paris Is Burning?
Thematic content is very strong and mature. The film is a raw exploration of identity, poverty, racism, homophobia, and transphobia. Key themes include the concept of the 'found family,' the desire for fame and acceptance, and the struggle for survival. The…
How long is Paris Is Burning?
Paris Is Burning runs 78 minutes, directed by Jennie Livingston, released in 1991.
Where can I read the full Paris Is Burning parent guide?
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