Terms of Endearment (1983) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Aurora, a finicky woman, is in search of true love while her daughter faces marital issues. Together, they help each other deal with problems and find reasons to live a joyful life.
Rated PG • 1983 • 2h 12m
Overall: A mother-daughter relationship across three decades — through marriages, infidelities, and a devastating illness. Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger. Won five Academy Awards. The PG rating covers adult content and the film's emotional devastation.
Cast
Is Terms of Endearment appropriate for kids?
Overall: A mother-daughter relationship across three decades — through marriages, infidelities, and a devastating illness. Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger. Won five Academy Awards. The PG rating covers adult content and the film's emotional devastation. Read more — free account
Content severity in Terms of Endearment
What happens in Terms of Endearment, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
- 0:42 ♥ Sex & Nudity 1/10
- 0:52 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
Sex and nudity in Terms of Endearment
The film explores complex adult dynamics, including extramarital affairs and long-term romantic pursuits. While sexual activity is implied and occurs off-screen, there are brief moments of mild intimacy, such as a scene involving a character attempting to remove clothing behind closed doors. The depictions focus more on the emotional weight of these relationships than on graphic physical details.
Violence and gore in Terms of Endearment
There is no physical violence or gore presented throughout the duration of this drama. The conflict is strictly emotional and verbal, rooted in the strained familial bonds between mother and daughter. Viewers will find no stylized action or injury, as the film adheres strictly to its realistic domestic setting.
Language in Terms of Endearment
Strong language is used occasionally, appearing most frequently during moments of high emotional distress or interpersonal conflict. Moderate profanity occurs throughout the script, including one particularly forceful instance of a vulgarity during a hospital confrontation. These outbursts are intended to reflect the authentic frustration and grief of the characters.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Terms of Endearment
There is no significant use of illegal drugs or focus on substance abuse within the narrative. While characters may appear in social settings where alcohol is present, it is not a central plot point or a highlighted behavior. The film maintains a focus on the health and personal lives of the protagonists rather than chemical dependency.
Mature themes in Terms of Endearment
Cancer and death — Emma's illness is the film's devastating final act. A mother who is difficult and loving simultaneously. Jack Nicholson's astronaut is one of cinema's great comic romantic performances. The film earns every tear it demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Terms of Endearment appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Terms of Endearment is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG. Overall: A mother-daughter relationship across three decades — through marriages, infidelities, and a devastating illness. Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger. Won five Academy Awards. The PG rating covers adult content…
What age rating does Terms of Endearment have?
Terms of Endearment is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Terms of Endearment about?
Overall: A mother-daughter relationship across three decades — through marriages, infidelities, and a devastating illness. Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger. Won five Academy Awards. The PG rating covers adult content and the film's emotional devastation.
Is there sex or nudity in Terms of Endearment?
The film explores complex adult dynamics, including extramarital affairs and long-term romantic pursuits. While sexual activity is implied and occurs off-screen, there are brief moments of mild intimacy, such as a scene involving a character attempting to…
How violent is Terms of Endearment?
There is no physical violence or gore presented throughout the duration of this drama. The conflict is strictly emotional and verbal, rooted in the strained familial bonds between mother and daughter. Viewers will find no stylized action or injury, as the…
Is the language in Terms of Endearment appropriate for kids?
Strong language is used occasionally, appearing most frequently during moments of high emotional distress or interpersonal conflict. Moderate profanity occurs throughout the script, including one particularly forceful instance of a vulgarity during a hospital…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Terms of Endearment?
There is no significant use of illegal drugs or focus on substance abuse within the narrative. While characters may appear in social settings where alcohol is present, it is not a central plot point or a highlighted behavior. The film maintains a focus on the…
What mature themes appear in Terms of Endearment?
Cancer and death — Emma's illness is the film's devastating final act. A mother who is difficult and loving simultaneously. Jack Nicholson's astronaut is one of cinema's great comic romantic performances. The film earns every tear it demands.
How long is Terms of Endearment?
Terms of Endearment runs 132 minutes, directed by James L. Brooks, released in 1983.
Where can I read the full Terms of Endearment parent guide?
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