Superman: Red Son (2009) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In Red Son, Superman's rocket ship lands on a Ukrainian collective farm rather than in Kansas, an implied reason being a small time difference (a handful of hours) from the original timeline, meaning Earth's rotation placed the Ukraine in the ship's path instead of Kansas. Instead of fighting for "...truth, justice, and the American Way", Superman is described in Soviet radio broadcasts "...as the Champion of the common worker who fights a never-ending battle for Stalin, socialism, and the international expansion of the Warsaw Pact."… Sign up for the full guide
Rated NR • 2009 • 1h 2m
This animated film presents a dark, alternate history where Superman lands in the Soviet Union and becomes an authoritarian ruler. The film is unrated but its content is best suited for teenagers due to its mature themes and intense violence. The narrative explores complex political ideas like totalitarianism and the cost of a forced utopia. Parents should be aware of frequent, stylized animated violence, including murder, large-scale… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Superman: Red Son appropriate for kids?
This animated film presents a dark, alternate history where Superman lands in the Soviet Union and becomes an authoritarian ruler. The film is unrated but its content is best suited for teenagers due to its mature themes and intense violence. The narrative explores complex… Read more — free account
Content severity in Superman: Red Son
What happens in Superman: Red Son, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:15 🍷 Substances 6/10
Sex and nudity in Superman: Red Son
Sexual content is very mild. Wonder Woman develops a one-sided romantic attraction to Superman, which is shown through her dialogue and expressions in a few scenes. He remains oblivious and does not reciprocate her feelings. There is no nudity, sexual activity, or innuendo.
Violence and gore in Superman: Red Son
Violence is frequent and, while stylized in a motion-comic animation style, has serious and lethal consequences. Multiple characters are shot and killed, including a dissident couple murdered in front of their child. A main character commits suicide via an explosion to avoid capture. There are several intense battles featuring super-powered beings that cause widespread destruction. A man murders his entire team of scientists off-screen. A monstrous clone of Superman is created and later dies in a heroic sacrifice.
Language in Superman: Red Son
Language is infrequent and mild. Based on the mature tone and military themes, some minor expletives on the level of "damn" or "hell" may be present, but there is no strong or frequent profanity.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Superman: Red Son
There is one significant instance of substance use as a plot device. Joseph Stalin is shown dead at his desk, having been assassinated with cyanide poisoning.
Mature themes in Superman: Red Son
Thematic content is strong and central to the plot. The film is a political allegory exploring totalitarianism, communism, and the loss of individual liberty under an authoritarian regime. Key themes include the corruption of absolute power, brainwashing (dissidents are surgically altered into obedient 'robots'), state-sponsored violence, and the ethics of enforcing a 'perfect' society. A hero's on-screen suicide as an act of political defiance is a major thematic moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Superman: Red Son appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Superman: Red Son is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. This animated film presents a dark, alternate history where Superman lands in the Soviet Union and becomes an authoritarian ruler. The film is unrated but its content is best suited for teenagers due to its mature…
What age rating does Superman: Red Son have?
Superman: Red Son is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Superman: Red Son about?
This animated film presents a dark, alternate history where Superman lands in the Soviet Union and becomes an authoritarian ruler. The film is unrated but its content is best suited for teenagers due to its mature themes and intense violence. The narrative explores complex political ideas like totalitarianism and the…
Is there sex or nudity in Superman: Red Son?
Sexual content is very mild. Wonder Woman develops a one-sided romantic attraction to Superman, which is shown through her dialogue and expressions in a few scenes. He remains oblivious and does not reciprocate her feelings. There is no nudity, sexual…
How violent is Superman: Red Son?
Violence is frequent and, while stylized in a motion-comic animation style, has serious and lethal consequences. Multiple characters are shot and killed, including a dissident couple murdered in front of their child. A main character commits suicide via an…
Is the language in Superman: Red Son appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and mild. Based on the mature tone and military themes, some minor expletives on the level of "damn" or "hell" may be present, but there is no strong or frequent profanity.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Superman: Red Son?
There is one significant instance of substance use as a plot device. Joseph Stalin is shown dead at his desk, having been assassinated with cyanide poisoning.
What mature themes appear in Superman: Red Son?
Thematic content is strong and central to the plot. The film is a political allegory exploring totalitarianism, communism, and the loss of individual liberty under an authoritarian regime. Key themes include the corruption of absolute power, brainwashing…
How long is Superman: Red Son?
Superman: Red Son runs 62 minutes, directed by Dylan Coburn, released in 2009.
Where can I read the full Superman: Red Son 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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