Rules Don't Apply (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The unconventional love story of an aspiring actress, her ambitious driver, and their eccentric boss, the legendary billionaire Howard Hughes.
Rated PG-13 • 2016 • 2h 7m
This film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic content, a single use of strong language, and a significant sexual situation. Set in 1950s Hollywood, 'Rules Don't Apply' follows the fraught romance between aspiring actress Marla Mabrey and driver Frank Forbes, complicated by their eccentric boss, Howard Hughes. The film contains a pivotal, though not graphic, implied sex scene that results in an out-of-wedlock pregnancy… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Rules Don't Apply appropriate for kids?
This film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic content, a single use of strong language, and a significant sexual situation. Set in 1950s Hollywood, 'Rules Don't Apply' follows the fraught romance between aspiring actress Marla Mabrey and driver Frank Forbes… Read more — free account
Content severity in Rules Don't Apply
What happens in Rules Don't Apply, moment by moment
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:25 🍷 Substances 3/10
- 0:48 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in Rules Don't Apply
The film contains moderate sexual material. In one scene, two fully clothed characters kiss passionately and one thrusts against the other before they are interrupted. In a more significant scene, a drunk character has sex with an older man; the act is implied, with prelude kissing and characters dressing afterward (a woman's bra is briefly visible). Panties are removed but this is not shown. There are also conversations about sex and virginity.
Violence and gore in Rules Don't Apply
This film contains no violence or gore. Character conflicts are entirely verbal and emotional.
Language in Rules Don't Apply
Language is infrequent but includes one use of "f--k". Other words such as "s--t," "damn," and "hell" are also used sparingly throughout the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Rules Don't Apply
Substance use is present but not glorified. Characters frequently smoke cigarettes, which is typical for the 1950s setting. In a key plot point, a religiously devout character gets drunk to excess for the first time after an emotional upset. Other scenes feature social drinking.
Mature themes in Rules Don't Apply
The film explores several mature themes, including the conflict between religious principles and sexual desire, adultery, and out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Howard Hughes's deteriorating mental health, including severe paranoia, reclusiveness, and obsessive behavior, is a major element. Themes of ambition, manipulation, and disillusionment within the old Hollywood system are also central to the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rules Don't Apply appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Rules Don't Apply is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic content, a single use of strong language, and a significant sexual situation. Set in 1950s Hollywood, 'Rules Don't Apply' follows the fraught romance between…
What age rating does Rules Don't Apply have?
Rules Don't Apply is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Rules Don't Apply about?
This film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic content, a single use of strong language, and a significant sexual situation. Set in 1950s Hollywood, 'Rules Don't Apply' follows the fraught romance between aspiring actress Marla Mabrey and driver Frank Forbes, complicated by their eccentric boss, Howard…
Is there sex or nudity in Rules Don't Apply?
The film contains moderate sexual material. In one scene, two fully clothed characters kiss passionately and one thrusts against the other before they are interrupted. In a more significant scene, a drunk character has sex with an older man; the act is…
How violent is Rules Don't Apply?
This film contains no violence or gore. Character conflicts are entirely verbal and emotional.
Is the language in Rules Don't Apply appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent but includes one use of "f--k". Other words such as "s--t," "damn," and "hell" are also used sparingly throughout the film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Rules Don't Apply?
Substance use is present but not glorified. Characters frequently smoke cigarettes, which is typical for the 1950s setting. In a key plot point, a religiously devout character gets drunk to excess for the first time after an emotional upset. Other scenes…
What mature themes appear in Rules Don't Apply?
The film explores several mature themes, including the conflict between religious principles and sexual desire, adultery, and out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Howard Hughes's deteriorating mental health, including severe paranoia, reclusiveness, and obsessive…
How long is Rules Don't Apply?
Rules Don't Apply runs 127 minutes, directed by Warren Beatty, released in 2016.
Where can I read the full Rules Don't Apply parent guide?
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