Shakespeare in Love (1998) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
Rated R • 1998 • 2h 3m
Shakespeare in Love earned its R rating primarily for sexuality. The film centers on a forbidden adulterous affair between a married Will Shakespeare and the betrothed noblewoman Viola de Lesseps, featuring several lovemaking scenes that include clear female breast nudity. The witty, romantic tone is punctuated by moderate sword-fighting violence and a single use of strong profanity. While much of the violence is stylized and the… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Shakespeare in Love appropriate for kids?
Shakespeare in Love earned its R rating primarily for sexuality. The film centers on a forbidden adulterous affair between a married Will Shakespeare and the betrothed noblewoman Viola de Lesseps, featuring several lovemaking scenes that include clear female breast nudity. The… Read more — free account
Content severity in Shakespeare in Love
What happens in Shakespeare in Love, moment by moment
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:27 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
Sex and nudity in Shakespeare in Love
This is the main reason for the R rating. Several scenes depict the passionate affair between Will and Viola, including lovemaking sequences that show clear female breast nudity and a man's bare back and torso. The couple is shown kissing passionately throughout. In one non-sexual scene, a woman's corset is seen being tightened. In another scene, played for comedy, a woman is seen thrusting on top of a man, though both characters are fully clothed.
Violence and gore in Shakespeare in Love
Violence is moderate and mostly stylized. There are two notable sword fights: one is a large theater brawl with punching and hitting with props, and the other is a duel that ends with a small, bloody cut on a character's head. A man is threatened with a knife to his throat, and in one scene a character is briefly tortured by having his feet held over hot coals. A character's murder is discussed but happens off-screen.
Language in Shakespeare in Love
Language is relatively mild for an R-rated film, but contains one use of "f--k". Other language includes a couple uses of "s--t," mild anatomical slang ("balls," "tits"), and some period-appropriate swearing like "bastard."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Shakespeare in Love
Substance use is mild. Several scenes take place in a tavern where characters drink ale and spirits. In one scene celebrating a victory, several characters are shown to be drunk and boisterous.
Mature themes in Shakespeare in Love
The central theme is a forbidden, adulterous love affair, as Will is married and Viola is betrothed to another man. Themes of deception and identity are explored through Viola's cross-dressing disguise as a man named Thomas Kent. There is a moving moment of grief and mistaken guilt when news arrives that Christopher Marlowe has been murdered. The film also explores ambition, artistic integrity, and the constraints placed on women in Elizabethan society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shakespeare in Love appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Shakespeare in Love is best for ages 13+. It's rated R. Shakespeare in Love earned its R rating primarily for sexuality. The film centers on a forbidden adulterous affair between a married Will Shakespeare and the betrothed noblewoman Viola de Lesseps, featuring several…
What age rating does Shakespeare in Love have?
Shakespeare in Love is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Shakespeare in Love about?
Shakespeare in Love earned its R rating primarily for sexuality. The film centers on a forbidden adulterous affair between a married Will Shakespeare and the betrothed noblewoman Viola de Lesseps, featuring several lovemaking scenes that include clear female breast nudity. The witty, romantic tone is punctuated by…
Is there sex or nudity in Shakespeare in Love?
This is the main reason for the R rating. Several scenes depict the passionate affair between Will and Viola, including lovemaking sequences that show clear female breast nudity and a man's bare back and torso. The couple is shown kissing passionately…
How violent is Shakespeare in Love?
Violence is moderate and mostly stylized. There are two notable sword fights: one is a large theater brawl with punching and hitting with props, and the other is a duel that ends with a small, bloody cut on a character's head. A man is threatened with a knife…
Is the language in Shakespeare in Love appropriate for kids?
Language is relatively mild for an R-rated film, but contains one use of "f--k". Other language includes a couple uses of "s--t," mild anatomical slang ("balls," "tits"), and some period-appropriate swearing like "bastard."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Shakespeare in Love?
Substance use is mild. Several scenes take place in a tavern where characters drink ale and spirits. In one scene celebrating a victory, several characters are shown to be drunk and boisterous.
What mature themes appear in Shakespeare in Love?
The central theme is a forbidden, adulterous love affair, as Will is married and Viola is betrothed to another man. Themes of deception and identity are explored through Viola's cross-dressing disguise as a man named Thomas Kent. There is a moving moment of…
How long is Shakespeare in Love?
Shakespeare in Love runs 124 minutes, directed by John Madden, released in 1998.
Where can I read the full Shakespeare in Love parent guide?
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