The Black Dahlia (2006) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In 1940s Los Angeles, two former boxers-turned-cops must grapple with corruption, narcissism, stag films and family madness as they pursue the killer of an aspiring young actress.
Rated R • 2006 • 2h 1m
Brian De Palma’s The Black Dahlia is a neo-noir crime thriller that centers on detectives Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard as they investigate the gruesome murder of an aspiring actress. The film contains pervasive, graphic depictions of post-mortem mutilation and violent death, alongside intense sexual content and harsh profanity. It is intended strictly for mature adult audiences due to its disturbing atmosphere and depiction of… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Black Dahlia appropriate for kids?
Brian De Palma’s The Black Dahlia is a neo-noir crime thriller that centers on detectives Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard as they investigate the gruesome murder of an aspiring actress. The film contains pervasive, graphic depictions of post-mortem mutilation and violent… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Black Dahlia
What happens in The Black Dahlia, moment by moment
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 9/10
- 0:28 ♥ Sex & Nudity 7/10
- 0:35 🍷 Substances 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Black Dahlia
The film includes frequent sexual content, including scenes of passionate sexual intercourse and a sequence involving a pornographic film set where two women engage in simulated sexual activity. There is also brief full-frontal nudity and multiple scenes involving characters in states of undress.
Violence and gore in The Black Dahlia
Violence is severe and graphic throughout. The film features frequent depictions of a dismembered body, detailed forensic photos of facial mutilation, a scene where a face is sliced with a knife while restrained in a vice, and several brutal shootings or stabbings that result in significant blood spray.
Language in The Black Dahlia
Strong profanity is pervasive. There are over 20 uses of the 'f-word', along with derogatory slurs, anatomical references, and numerous instances of religious exclamations and general name-calling.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Black Dahlia
Substance use is frequent. Characters are shown smoking cigarettes constantly, consuming alcohol in social and domestic settings, and there is a major subplot involving a detective’s addiction to speed (dexedrine).
Mature themes in The Black Dahlia
The film explores dark, mature themes including obsession, psychological manipulation, infidelity, and the corruption of the justice system. The narrative relies on the trauma of child abuse, murder, and complex family madness to drive the plot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Black Dahlia appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Black Dahlia is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Brian De Palma’s The Black Dahlia is a neo-noir crime thriller that centers on detectives Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard as they investigate the gruesome murder of an aspiring actress. The film contains pervasive…
What age rating does The Black Dahlia have?
The Black Dahlia is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Black Dahlia about?
Brian De Palma’s The Black Dahlia is a neo-noir crime thriller that centers on detectives Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard as they investigate the gruesome murder of an aspiring actress. The film contains pervasive, graphic depictions of post-mortem mutilation and violent death, alongside intense sexual content and…
Is there sex or nudity in The Black Dahlia?
The film includes frequent sexual content, including scenes of passionate sexual intercourse and a sequence involving a pornographic film set where two women engage in simulated sexual activity. There is also brief full-frontal nudity and multiple scenes…
How violent is The Black Dahlia?
Violence is severe and graphic throughout. The film features frequent depictions of a dismembered body, detailed forensic photos of facial mutilation, a scene where a face is sliced with a knife while restrained in a vice, and several brutal shootings or…
Is the language in The Black Dahlia appropriate for kids?
Strong profanity is pervasive. There are over 20 uses of the 'f-word', along with derogatory slurs, anatomical references, and numerous instances of religious exclamations and general name-calling.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Black Dahlia?
Substance use is frequent. Characters are shown smoking cigarettes constantly, consuming alcohol in social and domestic settings, and there is a major subplot involving a detective’s addiction to speed (dexedrine).
What mature themes appear in The Black Dahlia?
The film explores dark, mature themes including obsession, psychological manipulation, infidelity, and the corruption of the justice system. The narrative relies on the trauma of child abuse, murder, and complex family madness to drive the plot.
How long is The Black Dahlia?
The Black Dahlia runs 121 minutes, directed by Brian De Palma, released in 2006.
Where can I read the full The Black Dahlia parent guide?
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