Poster for The Bird People in China

The Bird People in China (1998) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Wada, a salary man, is enlisted to venture off to China to investigate a potential Jade mine. After his arrival, Wada encounters a violent, yet sentimental, yakuza, who takes the liberty of joining his adventure through China. Led on their long and disastrous journey to the mine by Shen, the three men come across something even more magical and enticing.

Rated NR • 1998 • 1h 58m

7.2
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

Takashi Miike's "The Bird People in China" is a surreal adventure film that follows a Japanese salaryman, Wada, and a volatile yakuza, Ujiie, on a journey to a remote Chinese village. The film is unrated but its content is comparable to a PG-13 due to moments of sudden violence and thematic intensity. The primary parental concerns are scenes where Ujiie brandishes a gun and threatens others, as well as the killing of animals, though… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Masahiro Motoki
Masahiro Motoki
Renji Ishibashi
Renji Ishibashi
Mako
Mako
LL
Li Li Wang
Yūichi Minato
Yūichi Minato
TO
Tomohiko Okuda
Manzo Shinra
Manzo Shinra
Michiko Kichise
Michiko Kichise
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Is The Bird People in China appropriate for kids?

Takashi Miike's "The Bird People in China" is a surreal adventure film that follows a Japanese salaryman, Wada, and a volatile yakuza, Ujiie, on a journey to a remote Chinese village. The film is unrated but its content is comparable to a PG-13 due to moments of sudden violence… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Bird People in China

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in The Bird People in China, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
  2. 0:22 🍷 Substances 1/10
  3. 0:39 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Unlock all 12 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in The Bird People in China

No sexual content or nudity is present in the film. This category is entirely absent.

Violence and gore in The Bird People in China

Violence is infrequent but occurs in sudden, impactful bursts. A yakuza character, Ujiie, is a constant source of menace. He physically intimidates another man early on. In a key sequence, he threatens to shoot three other characters with a handgun to prevent them from leaving the village. He also kills several tortoises by stabbing them, though the act is not depicted with graphic detail.

Language in The Bird People in China

Language is very mild and infrequent. A few minor profanities may be present, consistent with a TV-PG rating, but there is no strong or frequent swearing.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Bird People in China

Characters are occasionally shown smoking cigarettes. There is also some social drinking of alcohol in a few scenes, but no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

Mature themes in The Bird People in China

The film explores complex themes, including the conflict between tradition and modernity, the corrupting influence of civilization, and the search for meaning. The central conflict involves Ujiie's extreme, violent measures to protect the utopian village from outside exploitation. The film also deals with themes of disillusionment with corporate life and the power of myth and belief.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Bird People in China appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Bird People in China is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. Takashi Miike's "The Bird People in China" is a surreal adventure film that follows a Japanese salaryman, Wada, and a volatile yakuza, Ujiie, on a journey to a remote Chinese village. The film is unrated but its content…

What age rating does The Bird People in China have?

The Bird People in China is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Bird People in China about?

Takashi Miike's "The Bird People in China" is a surreal adventure film that follows a Japanese salaryman, Wada, and a volatile yakuza, Ujiie, on a journey to a remote Chinese village. The film is unrated but its content is comparable to a PG-13 due to moments of sudden violence and thematic intensity. The primary…

Is there sex or nudity in The Bird People in China?

No sexual content or nudity is present in the film. This category is entirely absent.

How violent is The Bird People in China?

Violence is infrequent but occurs in sudden, impactful bursts. A yakuza character, Ujiie, is a constant source of menace. He physically intimidates another man early on. In a key sequence, he threatens to shoot three other characters with a handgun to prevent…

Is the language in The Bird People in China appropriate for kids?

Language is very mild and infrequent. A few minor profanities may be present, consistent with a TV-PG rating, but there is no strong or frequent swearing.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Bird People in China?

Characters are occasionally shown smoking cigarettes. There is also some social drinking of alcohol in a few scenes, but no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

What mature themes appear in The Bird People in China?

The film explores complex themes, including the conflict between tradition and modernity, the corrupting influence of civilization, and the search for meaning. The central conflict involves Ujiie's extreme, violent measures to protect the utopian village from…

How long is The Bird People in China?

The Bird People in China runs 118 minutes, directed by Takashi Miike, released in 1998.

Where can I read the full The Bird People in China parent guide?

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