Poster for Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility (1995) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The Dashwood sisters, sensible Elinor and passionate Marianne, learn that their prospects of marriage seem doomed by their family's sudden loss of fortune. After Henry Dashwood dies unexpectedly, his estate must pass on by law to his son. These circumstances leave Mr. Dashwood's wife and daughters without a home and with barely enough money to live on. As Elinor and Marianne struggle to find romantic fulfillment in a society obsessed with financial and social status, they must learn to mix sense with sensibility in their dealings… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG • 1995 • 2h 16m

7.4
1K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
12+

Overall: Two sisters of contrasting temperament — one rational, one romantic — seek suitable marriages after their father's death leaves the family impoverished. Emma Thompson (Oscar for screenplay), Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant. PG rating is appropriate.

Cast

Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson
Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet
Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman
Hugh Grant
Hugh Grant
Gemma Jones
Gemma Jones
Greg Wise
Greg Wise
Elizabeth Spriggs
Elizabeth Spriggs
Imogen Stubbs
Imogen Stubbs
Harriet Walter
Harriet Walter
James Fleet
James Fleet
Imelda Staunton
Imelda Staunton
Hugh Laurie
Hugh Laurie
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Is Sense and Sensibility appropriate for kids?

Overall: Two sisters of contrasting temperament — one rational, one romantic — seek suitable marriages after their father's death leaves the family impoverished. Emma Thompson (Oscar for screenplay), Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant. PG rating is appropriate. Read more — free account

Content severity in Sense and Sensibility

Sex None 0/10
Violence None 0/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Sense and Sensibility, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:42 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  3. 1:28 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Unlock all 4 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Sense and Sensibility

There is no depicted sexual activity or nudity in the film, adhering to the social decorum of the Regency era. Relationships are expressed through verbal declarations and longing looks, with the most physical contact being brief hand-holding or restrained embraces. A character is mentioned to have had a child out of wedlock, but this is handled entirely through dialogue without graphic detail.

Violence and gore in Sense and Sensibility

The film contains no physical violence or gore, focusing instead on emotional and social conflict. One character is shown suffering from a severe illness and fever, which causes significant distress to her family but involves no physical injury. The stakes are purely social and financial rather than involving any bodily harm or threats.

Language in Sense and Sensibility

The dialogue is very mild and formal, consistent with its PG rating and nineteenth-century setting. There are no modern profanities or vulgarities used throughout the film. A few instances of mild period-appropriate exclamations like 'good heavens' may occur, but the language remains polite and sophisticated.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Sense and Sensibility

There is no use of illegal drugs or significant depictions of tobacco or alcohol throughout the movie. Characters may host formal dinners where wine is present on the table, but no one is shown in a state of intoxication. The focus remains on the social dialogue of the period rather than substance usage.

Mature themes in Sense and Sensibility

Jane Austen's examination of how little agency women had over their own lives — the economic dependence on marriage depicted with specificity. Emma Thompson's Elinor suppressing her feelings for an entire film is one of cinema's great restrained performances. The denouement is deeply satisfying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sense and Sensibility appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Sense and Sensibility is best for ages 12+. It's rated PG. Overall: Two sisters of contrasting temperament — one rational, one romantic — seek suitable marriages after their father's death leaves the family impoverished. Emma Thompson (Oscar for screenplay), Kate Winslet, Hugh…

What age rating does Sense and Sensibility have?

Sense and Sensibility is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.

What is Sense and Sensibility about?

Overall: Two sisters of contrasting temperament — one rational, one romantic — seek suitable marriages after their father's death leaves the family impoverished. Emma Thompson (Oscar for screenplay), Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant. PG rating is appropriate.

Is there sex or nudity in Sense and Sensibility?

There is no depicted sexual activity or nudity in the film, adhering to the social decorum of the Regency era. Relationships are expressed through verbal declarations and longing looks, with the most physical contact being brief hand-holding or restrained…

How violent is Sense and Sensibility?

The film contains no physical violence or gore, focusing instead on emotional and social conflict. One character is shown suffering from a severe illness and fever, which causes significant distress to her family but involves no physical injury. The stakes…

Is the language in Sense and Sensibility appropriate for kids?

The dialogue is very mild and formal, consistent with its PG rating and nineteenth-century setting. There are no modern profanities or vulgarities used throughout the film. A few instances of mild period-appropriate exclamations like 'good heavens' may occur…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Sense and Sensibility?

There is no use of illegal drugs or significant depictions of tobacco or alcohol throughout the movie. Characters may host formal dinners where wine is present on the table, but no one is shown in a state of intoxication. The focus remains on the social…

What mature themes appear in Sense and Sensibility?

Jane Austen's examination of how little agency women had over their own lives — the economic dependence on marriage depicted with specificity. Emma Thompson's Elinor suppressing her feelings for an entire film is one of cinema's great restrained performances…

How long is Sense and Sensibility?

Sense and Sensibility runs 136 minutes, directed by Ang Lee, released in 1995.

Where can I read the full Sense and Sensibility parent guide?

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