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Shaolin (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

China is plunged into strife as feuding warlords try to expand their power by warring over neighboring lands. Fuelled by his success on the battlefield, young and arrogant Hao Jie sneers at Shaolin's masters when he beats one of them in a duel. But the pride comes before a fall. When his own family is wiped out by a rival warlord, Hao is forced to take refuge with the monks. As the civil unrest spreads and the people suffer, Hao and the Shaolin masters are forced to take a fiery stand against the evil warlords. They launch a daring… Sign up for the full guide

Rated R • 2011 • 2h 11m

6.9
400+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
16+

Shaolin is a brutal martial arts drama set during a period of intense civil war in China, focusing on the redemption of a ruthless warlord named Hao Jie. The film earns its R-rating primarily through frequent, visceral sequences of combat involving blades, gunfire, and explosive ordnance. Parents should be aware of scenes depicting the slaughter of civilians and children, as well as graphic moments of impalement and physical suffering… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Andy Lau
Andy Lau
Nicholas Tse Ting-Fung
Nicholas Tse Ting-Fung
Fan Bingbing
Fan Bingbing
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan
Wu Jing
Wu Jing
Yu Shaoqun
Yu Shaoqun
Xing Yu
Xing Yu
Yu Hai
Yu Hai
Xiong Xinxin
Xiong Xinxin
Michelle Bai
Michelle Bai
SW
Sang Weilin
Shi Xiaohong
Shi Xiaohong
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Is Shaolin appropriate for kids?

Shaolin is a brutal martial arts drama set during a period of intense civil war in China, focusing on the redemption of a ruthless warlord named Hao Jie. The film earns its R-rating primarily through frequent, visceral sequences of combat involving blades, gunfire, and explosive… Read more — free account

Content severity in Shaolin

Sex None 0/10
Violence Intense 8/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in Shaolin, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
  2. 0:18 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
  3. 0:35 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
Unlock all 9 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Shaolin

There is no sexual content in this film.

Violence and gore in Shaolin

The violence is frequent and graphic. It includes sword fights, mass executions, explosions that destroy buildings, and characters being run through with blades. Notable instances include a child being struck and killed by a horse, multiple impalements, and scenes where characters cough up significant amounts of blood following trauma.

Language in Shaolin

Language is limited to minor insults such as 'bastards,' used in the context of warlord rivalries.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Shaolin

There are occasional, mild depictions of smoking and social drinking, which are incidental to the setting.

Mature themes in Shaolin

The film deals with heavy, mature themes including the total destruction of families, the horrors of civil war, the pursuit of vengeance, and the trauma of significant loss. It portrays the suffering of civilians and children under the reign of violent warlords.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shaolin appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Shaolin is best for ages 16+. It's rated R. Shaolin is a brutal martial arts drama set during a period of intense civil war in China, focusing on the redemption of a ruthless warlord named Hao Jie. The film earns its R-rating primarily through frequent, visceral…

What age rating does Shaolin have?

Shaolin is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 16+.

What is Shaolin about?

Shaolin is a brutal martial arts drama set during a period of intense civil war in China, focusing on the redemption of a ruthless warlord named Hao Jie. The film earns its R-rating primarily through frequent, visceral sequences of combat involving blades, gunfire, and explosive ordnance. Parents should be aware of…

Is there sex or nudity in Shaolin?

There is no sexual content in this film.

How violent is Shaolin?

The violence is frequent and graphic. It includes sword fights, mass executions, explosions that destroy buildings, and characters being run through with blades. Notable instances include a child being struck and killed by a horse, multiple impalements, and…

Is the language in Shaolin appropriate for kids?

Language is limited to minor insults such as 'bastards,' used in the context of warlord rivalries.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Shaolin?

There are occasional, mild depictions of smoking and social drinking, which are incidental to the setting.

What mature themes appear in Shaolin?

The film deals with heavy, mature themes including the total destruction of families, the horrors of civil war, the pursuit of vengeance, and the trauma of significant loss. It portrays the suffering of civilians and children under the reign of violent…

How long is Shaolin?

Shaolin runs 131 minutes, directed by Benny Chan, released in 2011.

Where can I read the full Shaolin parent guide?

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