Poster for Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Hard-nosed liberal lawyer Roman J. Israel has been fighting the good fight forever while others take the credit. When his partner – the firm's frontman – has a heart attack, Israel suddenly takes on that role. He soon discovers some unsettling truths about the firm – truths that conflict with his values of helping the poor and dispossessed – and finds himself in an existential crisis that leads to extreme actions.

Rated PG-13 • 2017 • 2h 2m

6.3
1K+
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Age
13+

Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a character-driven legal drama about an idealistic lawyer's crisis of conscience. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic content and language, which includes two uses of the F-word. Violence is infrequent but includes a sudden, non-graphic shooting death of a main character, a mugging, and discussions of murder. The narrative centers on Roman's complex moral and ethical failings after a… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington
Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell
Carmen Ejogo
Carmen Ejogo
Lynda Gravatt
Lynda Gravatt
Amanda Warren
Amanda Warren
Hugo Armstrong
Hugo Armstrong
Sam Gilroy
Sam Gilroy
Tony Plana
Tony Plana
DeRon Horton
DeRon Horton
Amari Cheatom
Amari Cheatom
Vince Cefalu
Vince Cefalu
Tarina Pouncy
Tarina Pouncy
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Is Roman J. Israel, Esq. appropriate for kids?

Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a character-driven legal drama about an idealistic lawyer's crisis of conscience. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic content and language, which includes two uses of the F-word. Violence is infrequent but includes a sudden… Read more — free account

Content severity in Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Roman J. Israel, Esq., moment by moment

  1. 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  2. 0:26 💬 Language 3/10
  3. 0:39 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Unlock all 12 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Roman J. Israel, Esq.

None. Sexual content is not a factor in this film.

Violence and gore in Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Violence is infrequent but impactful. A key character is shot and killed on-screen in the film's final moments; the act is sudden but not gory. Another scene involves a character being mugged on the street. A murder is a central plot point, but it occurs off-screen and is only discussed. These moments are brief but contribute to the film's serious tone.

Language in Roman J. Israel, Esq.

The film contains some strong language that accounts for its rating. There are approximately two uses of the F-word, alongside multiple instances of "s--t," "asshole," "bitch," "damn," "hell," and exclamations using God and Jesus Christ. The profanity is used to express intense frustration and cynicism.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Roman J. Israel, Esq.

There is some mild social drinking. Characters are occasionally seen with alcoholic beverages like wine or beer in restaurant, bar, or home settings. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

Mature themes in Roman J. Israel, Esq.

The film is built on complex and mature themes. It deeply explores the conflict between personal ideals and ethical compromise, the flaws within the legal and justice system, and the nature of social activism. The protagonist's journey involves a profound moral failure, professional misconduct, guilt, and an attempt at redemption. Themes of death, grief, and crime are central to the plot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Roman J. Israel, Esq. appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Roman J. Israel, Esq. is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a character-driven legal drama about an idealistic lawyer's crisis of conscience. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic content and language, which includes two uses of…

What age rating does Roman J. Israel, Esq. have?

Roman J. Israel, Esq. is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Roman J. Israel, Esq. about?

Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a character-driven legal drama about an idealistic lawyer's crisis of conscience. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic content and language, which includes two uses of the F-word. Violence is infrequent but includes a sudden, non-graphic shooting death of a main…

Is there sex or nudity in Roman J. Israel, Esq.?

None. Sexual content is not a factor in this film.

How violent is Roman J. Israel, Esq.?

Violence is infrequent but impactful. A key character is shot and killed on-screen in the film's final moments; the act is sudden but not gory. Another scene involves a character being mugged on the street. A murder is a central plot point, but it occurs…

Is the language in Roman J. Israel, Esq. appropriate for kids?

The film contains some strong language that accounts for its rating. There are approximately two uses of the F-word, alongside multiple instances of "s--t," "asshole," "bitch," "damn," "hell," and exclamations using God and Jesus Christ. The profanity is used…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Roman J. Israel, Esq.?

There is some mild social drinking. Characters are occasionally seen with alcoholic beverages like wine or beer in restaurant, bar, or home settings. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

What mature themes appear in Roman J. Israel, Esq.?

The film is built on complex and mature themes. It deeply explores the conflict between personal ideals and ethical compromise, the flaws within the legal and justice system, and the nature of social activism. The protagonist's journey involves a profound…

How long is Roman J. Israel, Esq.?

Roman J. Israel, Esq. runs 122 minutes, directed by Dan Gilroy, released in 2017.

Where can I read the full Roman J. Israel, Esq. parent guide?

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