Sea of Shadows (2019) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The vaquita, the world’s smallest whale, is nearing extinction as its habitat is destroyed by Mexican cartels and the Chinese Mafia, who harvest the totoaba fish, the “cocaine of the sea.” Environmental activists, the Mexican navy, and undercover investigators are fighting back against this illegal multimillion-dollar business.
Rated 6 • 2019 • 1h 46m
Sea of Shadows is a PG-13 documentary about the urgent effort to save the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. The rating is for mature thematic material, some violence, and language. The film depicts the dangerous conflict between Sea Shepherd activists, the Mexican navy, and powerful cartels involved in the illegal totoaba fish trade. Parents should be aware of intense situations, including boat chases and threats of violence, as… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Sea of Shadows appropriate for kids?
Sea of Shadows is a PG-13 documentary about the urgent effort to save the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. The rating is for mature thematic material, some violence, and language. The film depicts the dangerous conflict between Sea Shepherd activists, the Mexican navy… Read more — free account
Content severity in Sea of Shadows
What happens in Sea of Shadows, moment by moment
- 0:06 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:14 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:21 🍷 Substances 4/10
Sex and nudity in Sea of Shadows
None. Sexual content is not present in this film.
Violence and gore in Sea of Shadows
Violence is moderate and primarily involves intense confrontations at sea and animal death. Activist ships and fishing boats chase and ram each other. Fishermen throw projectiles, including a Molotov cocktail, at an activist vessel. The most frequent and disturbing violence is directed at wildlife, with numerous scenes showing dead dolphins, sharks, totoaba fish, and vaquita porpoises tangled in illegal nets. These images are not gory but are emotionally impactful.
Language in Sea of Shadows
There is some strong language, consistent with its PG-13 rating. The dialogue includes uses of "s--t," "ass," and at least one use of the f-word during a moment of high tension or anger.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Sea of Shadows
Substance use is present thematically and incidentally. The entire illegal totoaba bladder trade is explicitly and repeatedly compared to the drug trade, with the bladders referred to as the "cocaine of the sea." This analogy is central to the film's narrative. In one scene, an interview subject is briefly shown smoking a cigarette.
Mature themes in Sea of Shadows
Thematic content is strong and pervasive. The central theme is the imminent extinction of a species due to human greed and illegal activity. The film explores organized crime in detail, linking local poachers to powerful Mexican cartels and the Chinese Mafia. It also deals with government corruption, the life-threatening risks faced by activists and journalists (including death threats), and the emotional toll of conservation work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sea of Shadows appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Sea of Shadows is best for ages 13+. It's rated 6. Sea of Shadows is a PG-13 documentary about the urgent effort to save the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. The rating is for mature thematic material, some violence, and language. The film depicts the dangerous…
What age rating does Sea of Shadows have?
Sea of Shadows is officially rated 6. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Sea of Shadows about?
Sea of Shadows is a PG-13 documentary about the urgent effort to save the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. The rating is for mature thematic material, some violence, and language. The film depicts the dangerous conflict between Sea Shepherd activists, the Mexican navy, and powerful cartels involved in the…
Is there sex or nudity in Sea of Shadows?
None. Sexual content is not present in this film.
How violent is Sea of Shadows?
Violence is moderate and primarily involves intense confrontations at sea and animal death. Activist ships and fishing boats chase and ram each other. Fishermen throw projectiles, including a Molotov cocktail, at an activist vessel. The most frequent and…
Is the language in Sea of Shadows appropriate for kids?
There is some strong language, consistent with its PG-13 rating. The dialogue includes uses of "s--t," "ass," and at least one use of the f-word during a moment of high tension or anger.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Sea of Shadows?
Substance use is present thematically and incidentally. The entire illegal totoaba bladder trade is explicitly and repeatedly compared to the drug trade, with the bladders referred to as the "cocaine of the sea." This analogy is central to the film's…
What mature themes appear in Sea of Shadows?
Thematic content is strong and pervasive. The central theme is the imminent extinction of a species due to human greed and illegal activity. The film explores organized crime in detail, linking local poachers to powerful Mexican cartels and the Chinese Mafia…
How long is Sea of Shadows?
Sea of Shadows runs 106 minutes, directed by Richard Ladkani, released in 2019.
Where can I read the full Sea of Shadows parent guide?
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