
Silence (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In the 17th century, two Portuguese Jesuit priests travel to Japan in an attempt to locate their mentor, who is rumored to have committed apostasy, and to propagate Catholicism.
Rated R • 2016 • 2h 41m
Silence is a somber historical drama directed by Martin Scorsese that examines the severe persecution of Jesuit missionaries in 17th-century Japan. The film is rated R primarily for its intense, graphic depictions of torture, execution, and extreme emotional suffering. Viewers will encounter scenes of crucifixion, drowning, and beheading, all presented with a stark, unflinching tone. Due to these disturbing themes and the pervasive… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Silence appropriate for kids?
Silence is a somber historical drama directed by Martin Scorsese that examines the severe persecution of Jesuit missionaries in 17th-century Japan. The film is rated R primarily for its intense, graphic depictions of torture, execution, and extreme emotional suffering. Viewers… Read more — free account
Content severity in Silence
What happens in Silence, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
- 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:48 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
Sex and nudity in Silence
The film contains almost no sexual content, featuring only brief, non-sexual glimpses of traditional Japanese loincloths worn by laborers.
Violence and gore in Silence
The violence is severe, disturbing, and sustained, focusing on the systemic torture and execution of Christians. This includes scenes of characters being beheaded, drowned on crosses, and tortured in pits. The imagery is intended to be harrowing and is presented without reprieve.
Language in Silence
Language is very sparse, consisting of a few instances of blasphemous or harsh terminology used within the context of the period and religious conflict.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Silence
There is a brief scene involving a character who is intoxicated and unsteady, but substance use is not a significant focus of the narrative.
Mature themes in Silence
The film deals with intense, heavy themes, including faith, apostasy, martyrdom, and the psychological effects of extreme persecution. It explores the suffering of individuals under oppressive regimes and the moral complexity of choosing between belief and survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silence appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Silence is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Silence is a somber historical drama directed by Martin Scorsese that examines the severe persecution of Jesuit missionaries in 17th-century Japan. The film is rated R primarily for its intense, graphic depictions of…
What age rating does Silence have?
Silence is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Silence about?
Silence is a somber historical drama directed by Martin Scorsese that examines the severe persecution of Jesuit missionaries in 17th-century Japan. The film is rated R primarily for its intense, graphic depictions of torture, execution, and extreme emotional suffering. Viewers will encounter scenes of crucifixion…
Is there sex or nudity in Silence?
The film contains almost no sexual content, featuring only brief, non-sexual glimpses of traditional Japanese loincloths worn by laborers.
How violent is Silence?
The violence is severe, disturbing, and sustained, focusing on the systemic torture and execution of Christians. This includes scenes of characters being beheaded, drowned on crosses, and tortured in pits. The imagery is intended to be harrowing and is…
Is the language in Silence appropriate for kids?
Language is very sparse, consisting of a few instances of blasphemous or harsh terminology used within the context of the period and religious conflict.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Silence?
There is a brief scene involving a character who is intoxicated and unsteady, but substance use is not a significant focus of the narrative.
What mature themes appear in Silence?
The film deals with intense, heavy themes, including faith, apostasy, martyrdom, and the psychological effects of extreme persecution. It explores the suffering of individuals under oppressive regimes and the moral complexity of choosing between belief and…
How long is Silence?
Silence runs 161 minutes, directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 2016.
Where can I read the full Silence 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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