Poster for Powder

Powder (1995) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Harassed by classmates who won't accept his shocking appearance, a shy young man known as "Powder" struggles to fit in. But the cruel taunts stop when Powder displays a mysterious power that allows him to do incredible things. This phenomenon changes the lives of all those around him in ways they never could have imagined.

Rated PG-13 • 1995 • 1h 52m

7.0
600+
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Age
13+

This film earns its PG-13 rating for strong, emotionally intense thematic material, pervasive bullying, and some frightening moments. "Powder" explores complex themes of prejudice, isolation, death, and compassion through its titular character, a gentle albino boy with supernatural powers. Parents should be aware of a deeply humiliating scene where Powder is stripped naked by bullies, a tense moment where a teenager is held at… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Mary Steenburgen
Mary Steenburgen
Sean Patrick Flanery
Sean Patrick Flanery
Lance Henriksen
Lance Henriksen
Jeff Goldblum
Jeff Goldblum
Brandon Smith
Brandon Smith
Bradford Tatum
Bradford Tatum
Susan Tyrrell
Susan Tyrrell
Missy Crider
Missy Crider
Ray Wise
Ray Wise
Esteban Powell
Esteban Powell
DM
Danette McMahon
PE
Paula Engel
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Is Powder appropriate for kids?

This film earns its PG-13 rating for strong, emotionally intense thematic material, pervasive bullying, and some frightening moments. "Powder" explores complex themes of prejudice, isolation, death, and compassion through its titular character, a gentle albino boy with… Read more — free account

Content severity in Powder

Sex Strong 5/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Powder, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  2. 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  3. 0:25 💬 Language 3/10
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Sex and nudity in Powder

A scene of bullying involves a homophobic accusation. After being caught watching another boy in the showers (while observing his hair), bullies corner Powder and accuse him of being gay. There is one brief, gentle kiss between Powder and a female classmate. A major scene of humiliation involves forced nudity but is not sexual in nature.

Violence and gore in Powder

Violence is moderate but contains moments of intense threat. A bully threatens Powder by pointing a handgun at his face. A deer is shot and killed (off-screen shooting, but the dying animal is shown), and its pain is a key plot point. A supernatural energy pulse from Powder knocks several boys to the ground, and one's heart briefly stops. The film concludes with a character being struck by lightning and disintegrating.

Language in Powder

Language includes bullying taunts and derogatory terms like "freak." Some mild profanity such as "hell" and "damn" is present, consistent with its PG-13 rating.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Powder

Substance use is not depicted in the film.

Mature themes in Powder

Thematic content is very strong and is the core reason for the film's rating. The film is built around themes of severe bullying, social ostracization, and prejudice against someone who is different. It deals directly and emotionally with death and grief, including the death of an animal, a main character's relative, and the protagonist’s final self-sacrifice. Scenes of empathic pain and intense emotional distress are frequent and central to the story.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Powder appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Powder is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This film earns its PG-13 rating for strong, emotionally intense thematic material, pervasive bullying, and some frightening moments. "Powder" explores complex themes of prejudice, isolation, death, and compassion…

What age rating does Powder have?

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

What is Powder about?

This film earns its PG-13 rating for strong, emotionally intense thematic material, pervasive bullying, and some frightening moments. "Powder" explores complex themes of prejudice, isolation, death, and compassion through its titular character, a gentle albino boy with supernatural powers. Parents should be aware of a…

Is there sex or nudity in Powder?

A scene of bullying involves a homophobic accusation. After being caught watching another boy in the showers (while observing his hair), bullies corner Powder and accuse him of being gay. There is one brief, gentle kiss between Powder and a female classmate…

How violent is Powder?

Violence is moderate but contains moments of intense threat. A bully threatens Powder by pointing a handgun at his face. A deer is shot and killed (off-screen shooting, but the dying animal is shown), and its pain is a key plot point. A supernatural energy…

Is the language in Powder appropriate for kids?

Language includes bullying taunts and derogatory terms like "freak." Some mild profanity such as "hell" and "damn" is present, consistent with its PG-13 rating.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Powder?

Substance use is not depicted in the film.

What mature themes appear in Powder?

Thematic content is very strong and is the core reason for the film's rating. The film is built around themes of severe bullying, social ostracization, and prejudice against someone who is different. It deals directly and emotionally with death and grief…

How long is Powder?

Powder runs 112 minutes, directed by Victor Salva, released in 1995.

Where can I read the full Powder parent guide?

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