Past Lives (2023) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
After decades apart, childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung are reunited in New York for one fateful weekend as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life.
Rated PG-13 • 2023 • 1h 46m
Two childhood friends who were separated when one emigrated to America reconnect across two decades. A film of great emotional delicacy about love, immigration, and the roads not taken. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — there is almost no objectionable content. One of the best films of recent years and entirely appropriate for teenagers.
Cast
Is Past Lives appropriate for kids?
Two childhood friends who were separated when one emigrated to America reconnect across two decades. A film of great emotional delicacy about love, immigration, and the roads not taken. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — there is almost no objectionable content. One of the best… Read more — free account
Content severity in Past Lives
What happens in Past Lives, moment by moment
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:45 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:45 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in Past Lives
None. The film's romantic content is expressed entirely through conversation, looks, and presence.
Violence and gore in Past Lives
There is no physical violence or gore present in this film. The story focuses entirely on internal emotional conflict and long-distance dialogue, maintaining a gentle and peaceful tone throughout. As a grounded romantic drama, there are no action sequences or threats of bodily harm.
Language in Past Lives
The film contains very mild language consistent with its PG-13 rating, including a single use of "f--k." Most of the dialogue is polite and contemplative, with infrequent uses of terms like "sh*t" or "hell." The infrequent nature of the profanity makes it appropriate for a teenage audience.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Past Lives
The film features moderate social drinking as adult characters meet in bars and at dinners in New York. Several scenes depict characters enjoying beer, wine, or cocktails while discussing their lives and relationships. There is no depiction of drug abuse or excessive intoxication, and the alcohol use is treated as a routine part of adult social interaction.
Mature themes in Past Lives
The concept of in-yeon — the Korean idea that present connections are echoes of past lives. Immigration and what is lost in leaving. The sadness of parallel lives — what might have been if one choice had been made differently. A woman caught between two versions of herself. The film is sad in the way life is sad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Past Lives appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Past Lives is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Two childhood friends who were separated when one emigrated to America reconnect across two decades. A film of great emotional delicacy about love, immigration, and the roads not taken. The PG-13 rating is appropriate …
What age rating does Past Lives have?
Past Lives is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Past Lives about?
Two childhood friends who were separated when one emigrated to America reconnect across two decades. A film of great emotional delicacy about love, immigration, and the roads not taken. The PG-13 rating is appropriate — there is almost no objectionable content. One of the best films of recent years and entirely…
Is there sex or nudity in Past Lives?
None. The film's romantic content is expressed entirely through conversation, looks, and presence.
How violent is Past Lives?
There is no physical violence or gore present in this film. The story focuses entirely on internal emotional conflict and long-distance dialogue, maintaining a gentle and peaceful tone throughout. As a grounded romantic drama, there are no action sequences or…
Is the language in Past Lives appropriate for kids?
The film contains very mild language consistent with its PG-13 rating, including a single use of "f--k." Most of the dialogue is polite and contemplative, with infrequent uses of terms like "sh*t" or "hell." The infrequent nature of the profanity makes it…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Past Lives?
The film features moderate social drinking as adult characters meet in bars and at dinners in New York. Several scenes depict characters enjoying beer, wine, or cocktails while discussing their lives and relationships. There is no depiction of drug abuse or…
What mature themes appear in Past Lives?
The concept of in-yeon — the Korean idea that present connections are echoes of past lives. Immigration and what is lost in leaving. The sadness of parallel lives — what might have been if one choice had been made differently. A woman caught between two…
How long is Past Lives?
Past Lives runs 106 minutes, directed by Celine Song, released in 2023.
Where can I read the full Past Lives parent guide?
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