Shower (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
An aged father and his younger, mentally challenged son have been working hard every day to keep the bathhouse running for a motley group of regular customers. When his elder son, who left years ago to seek his fortune in the southern city of Shenzhen, abruptly returns one day, it once again puts under stress the long-broken father-son ties. Presented as a light-hearted comedy, Shower explores the value of family, friendship, and tradition.
Rated PG-13 • 1999 • 1h 32m
Shower (1999) is rated PG-13 largely for non-sexual male nudity in its communal bathhouse scenes and mature themes such as death, grief, and institutionalization. The film centers on Old Liu, his younger, mentally challenged son Erming, and the elder son Daming returning to their Beijing bathhouse; parents should note repeated communal shower scenes (no explicit genitals shown), a few instances of mild profanity, patrons drinking, and… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Shower appropriate for kids?
Shower (1999) is rated PG-13 largely for non-sexual male nudity in its communal bathhouse scenes and mature themes such as death, grief, and institutionalization. The film centers on Old Liu, his younger, mentally challenged son Erming, and the elder son Daming returning to… Read more — free account
Content severity in Shower
What happens in Shower, moment by moment
- 0:06 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
- 0:12 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:22 💬 Language 2/10
Sex and nudity in Shower
Moderate, non-sexual nudity is common because much of the film is set in a traditional men's bathhouse: multiple scenes show men showering and bathing together, but no explicit genitals or sexual activity are shown. The nudity is framed as everyday, communal life rather than erotic scenes, and it recurs through the film as part of the setting.
Violence and gore in Shower
Minimal and non-graphic: there is a brief physical altercation when Erming resists staff at a psychiatric hospital and is pushed/shoved, but there is no blood or weapon use. The rest of the film contains angry words and tension but no sustained or graphic violence.
Language in Shower
Light — occasional mild profanity or sharp words in Mandarin when characters are upset (Daming arguing with his father and during the search for Erming). Swearing is infrequent and not explicit or sexual in nature.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Shower
Mild: several patrons sip alcohol (tea and occasional liquor/baijiu) in the bathhouse while they socialize and play chess. No scenes show heavy intoxication or drug use; drinking is background, social behavior.
Mature themes in Shower
Strong emotional themes run through the film: death (Old Liu dies on-screen while bathing), grief and denial (Erming's inability to accept the death), mental disability and institutionalization (Erming's time in a psychiatric hospital), and the loss of traditional community as the district is demolished. These are handled in a realistic, quiet manner and may hit hard emotionally for younger or sensitive viewers.
Scary moments in Shower
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Shower yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shower appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Shower is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG-13. Shower (1999) is rated PG-13 largely for non-sexual male nudity in its communal bathhouse scenes and mature themes such as death, grief, and institutionalization. The film centers on Old Liu, his younger, mentally…
What age rating does Shower have?
Shower is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Shower about?
Shower (1999) is rated PG-13 largely for non-sexual male nudity in its communal bathhouse scenes and mature themes such as death, grief, and institutionalization. The film centers on Old Liu, his younger, mentally challenged son Erming, and the elder son Daming returning to their Beijing bathhouse; parents should note…
Is there sex or nudity in Shower?
Moderate, non-sexual nudity is common because much of the film is set in a traditional men's bathhouse: multiple scenes show men showering and bathing together, but no explicit genitals or sexual activity are shown. The nudity is framed as everyday, communal…
How violent is Shower?
Minimal and non-graphic: there is a brief physical altercation when Erming resists staff at a psychiatric hospital and is pushed/shoved, but there is no blood or weapon use. The rest of the film contains angry words and tension but no sustained or graphic…
Is the language in Shower appropriate for kids?
Light — occasional mild profanity or sharp words in Mandarin when characters are upset (Daming arguing with his father and during the search for Erming). Swearing is infrequent and not explicit or sexual in nature.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Shower?
Mild: several patrons sip alcohol (tea and occasional liquor/baijiu) in the bathhouse while they socialize and play chess. No scenes show heavy intoxication or drug use; drinking is background, social behavior.
What mature themes appear in Shower?
Strong emotional themes run through the film: death (Old Liu dies on-screen while bathing), grief and denial (Erming's inability to accept the death), mental disability and institutionalization (Erming's time in a psychiatric hospital), and the loss of…
How long is Shower?
Shower runs 92 minutes, directed by Zhang Yang, released in 1999.
Where can I read the full Shower parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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