Tequila Sunrise (1988) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In a seaside California town, best friends Mac and Nick are on opposite sides of the law. Mac is a former drug dealer trying to clean up his act, while Nick is a high-profile detective trying to take down a Mexican drug lord named Carlos. Soon Nick's loyalties are put to the test when he begins an affair with restaurateur Jo Ann -- a love interest of Mac's -- unwittingly leading his friend into a police-orchestrated trap.
Rated R • 1988 • 1h 56m
A former drug dealer trying to go straight, his DEA-agent best friend, and the woman they both love. Mel Gibson, Kurt Russell, Michelle Pfeiffer. The R rating covers violence, sexual content, and language.
Cast
Is Tequila Sunrise appropriate for kids?
A former drug dealer trying to go straight, his DEA-agent best friend, and the woman they both love. Mel Gibson, Kurt Russell, Michelle Pfeiffer. The R rating covers violence, sexual content, and language. Read more — free account
Content severity in Tequila Sunrise
What happens in Tequila Sunrise, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:12 💬 Language 4/10
- 0:18 🍷 Substances 5/10
Sex and nudity in Tequila Sunrise
A romantic triangle — non-explicit but emotionally charged. Both men fall for the same woman.
Violence and gore in Tequila Sunrise
The film contains moderate to strong outbursts of drug-related violence, including several tense shootouts and physical altercations. Characters are seen being shot, with blood spurts and bullet wounds shown, culminating in a high-stakes explosive finale with significant property damage. The mature action-thriller tone maintains a level of grit consistent with its R-rated depiction of the criminal underworld.
Language in Tequila Sunrise
Strong language occurs frequently throughout the film, primarily consisting of multiple uses of the F-word and various other profanities. The dialogue reflects the hard-boiled nature of both the law enforcement and criminal characters involved. This verbal aggression serves as a primary factor in the film's restrictive rating, typical for a late-80s crime drama.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Tequila Sunrise
As the plot revolves around a former drug dealer and a DEA agent, the presence of narcotics and the global drug trade is central to the narrative. While actual drug use is not the primary focus, there are depictions of large quantities of cocaine being trafficked and discussed as a commodity. Characters are also shown social drinking and smoking cigarettes in various settings throughout the movie.
Mature themes in Tequila Sunrise
A film about friendship tested by both love and law. The Gibson-Russell chemistry as former best friends on opposite sides. A neo-noir that is more interested in its characters than its plot mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tequila Sunrise appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Tequila Sunrise is best for ages 16+. It's rated R. A former drug dealer trying to go straight, his DEA-agent best friend, and the woman they both love. Mel Gibson, Kurt Russell, Michelle Pfeiffer. The R rating covers violence, sexual content, and language.
What age rating does Tequila Sunrise have?
Tequila Sunrise is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 16+.
What is Tequila Sunrise about?
A former drug dealer trying to go straight, his DEA-agent best friend, and the woman they both love. Mel Gibson, Kurt Russell, Michelle Pfeiffer. The R rating covers violence, sexual content, and language.
Is there sex or nudity in Tequila Sunrise?
A romantic triangle — non-explicit but emotionally charged. Both men fall for the same woman.
How violent is Tequila Sunrise?
The film contains moderate to strong outbursts of drug-related violence, including several tense shootouts and physical altercations. Characters are seen being shot, with blood spurts and bullet wounds shown, culminating in a high-stakes explosive finale with…
Is the language in Tequila Sunrise appropriate for kids?
Strong language occurs frequently throughout the film, primarily consisting of multiple uses of the F-word and various other profanities. The dialogue reflects the hard-boiled nature of both the law enforcement and criminal characters involved. This verbal…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Tequila Sunrise?
As the plot revolves around a former drug dealer and a DEA agent, the presence of narcotics and the global drug trade is central to the narrative. While actual drug use is not the primary focus, there are depictions of large quantities of cocaine being…
What mature themes appear in Tequila Sunrise?
A film about friendship tested by both love and law. The Gibson-Russell chemistry as former best friends on opposite sides. A neo-noir that is more interested in its characters than its plot mechanics.
How long is Tequila Sunrise?
Tequila Sunrise runs 116 minutes, directed by Robert Towne, released in 1988.
Where can I read the full Tequila Sunrise parent guide?
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