Poster for Peterloo

Peterloo (2018) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

An epic portrayal of the events surrounding the infamous 1819 Peterloo Massacre, where a peaceful pro-democracy rally at St Peter’s Field in Manchester turned into one of the bloodiest and most notorious episodes in British history. The massacre saw British government forces charge into a crowd of over 60,000 that had gathered to demand political reforms and protest against rising levels of poverty.

Rated PG-13 • 2018 • 2h 35m

6.8
100+
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Age
14+

Peterloo is a historical drama depicting the events leading up to and including the 1819 Peterloo Massacre in Manchester. The film examines the struggle of working-class families for democracy and the subsequent violent suppression by government forces. Parents should be aware that the film features intense, bloody historical violence, particularly in the final act, and themes of state-sanctioned brutality and death. It is best suited… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Rory Kinnear
Rory Kinnear
Maxine Peake
Maxine Peake
Pearce Quigley
Pearce Quigley
David Moorst
David Moorst
Rachel Finnegan
Rachel Finnegan
Tom Meredith
Tom Meredith
Simona Bitmate
Simona Bitmate
Robert Wilfort
Robert Wilfort
Karl Johnson
Karl Johnson
Sam Troughton
Sam Troughton
Roger Sloman
Roger Sloman
KH
Kenneth Hadley
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Is Peterloo appropriate for kids?

Peterloo is a historical drama depicting the events leading up to and including the 1819 Peterloo Massacre in Manchester. The film examines the struggle of working-class families for democracy and the subsequent violent suppression by government forces. Parents should be aware… Read more — free account

Content severity in Peterloo

Sex None 0/10
Violence Intense 8/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Peterloo, moment by moment

  1. 0:25 🍷 Substances 2/10
  2. 0:48 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  3. 1:12 🍷 Substances 2/10
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Sex and nudity in Peterloo

None. There is no sexual content or nudity in this film.

Violence and gore in Peterloo

The violence is concentrated in the final segment, where the Manchester and Salford Yeomanry charge a peaceful crowd. This sequence is intense and disturbing, featuring civilians being struck by sabres, trampled by horses, and shot. Specific imagery includes depictions of significant injury, bloodied faces, and the tragic death of a character, with one reported instance of a horse trampling an infant.

Language in Peterloo

Language is mild, with occasional use of period-appropriate insults such as 'arse'. It is not pervasive or explicit.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Peterloo

There is moderate social drinking depicted among adult characters, and several characters smoke pipes throughout the film, consistent with the 19th-century setting.

Mature themes in Peterloo

The film explores heavy historical themes including extreme poverty, political inequality, government corruption, and state-sanctioned violence against protestors. The aftermath of the massacre focuses on grief, trauma, and the systemic denial of justice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Peterloo appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Peterloo is best for ages 14+. It's rated PG-13. Peterloo is a historical drama depicting the events leading up to and including the 1819 Peterloo Massacre in Manchester. The film examines the struggle of working-class families for democracy and the subsequent violent…

What age rating does Peterloo have?

Peterloo is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.

What is Peterloo about?

Peterloo is a historical drama depicting the events leading up to and including the 1819 Peterloo Massacre in Manchester. The film examines the struggle of working-class families for democracy and the subsequent violent suppression by government forces. Parents should be aware that the film features intense, bloody…

Is there sex or nudity in Peterloo?

None. There is no sexual content or nudity in this film.

How violent is Peterloo?

The violence is concentrated in the final segment, where the Manchester and Salford Yeomanry charge a peaceful crowd. This sequence is intense and disturbing, featuring civilians being struck by sabres, trampled by horses, and shot. Specific imagery includes…

Is the language in Peterloo appropriate for kids?

Language is mild, with occasional use of period-appropriate insults such as 'arse'. It is not pervasive or explicit.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Peterloo?

There is moderate social drinking depicted among adult characters, and several characters smoke pipes throughout the film, consistent with the 19th-century setting.

What mature themes appear in Peterloo?

The film explores heavy historical themes including extreme poverty, political inequality, government corruption, and state-sanctioned violence against protestors. The aftermath of the massacre focuses on grief, trauma, and the systemic denial of justice.

How long is Peterloo?

Peterloo runs 155 minutes, directed by Mike Leigh, released in 2018.

Where can I read the full Peterloo parent guide?

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