The Card Counter (2021) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
William Tell just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on the casino trail is shattered when he is approached by Cirk, a vulnerable and angry young man seeking help to execute his plan for revenge on a military colonel. Tell sees a chance at redemption through his relationship with Cirk.
Rated R • 2021 • 1h 51m
A former military interrogator turned card counter seeks redemption through a young man connected to his past. Oscar Isaac. Paul Schrader's most Bressonian film. The R rating covers torture flashbacks, strong language, and violence.
Cast
Is The Card Counter appropriate for kids?
A former military interrogator turned card counter seeks redemption through a young man connected to his past. Oscar Isaac. Paul Schrader's most Bressonian film. The R rating covers torture flashbacks, strong language, and violence. Read more — free account
Content severity in The Card Counter
What happens in The Card Counter, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:18 💬 Language 4/10
- 0:42 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
Sex and nudity in The Card Counter
The film features a brief, non-graphic sexual encounter between the two lead characters. While nudity is avoided, the scene conveys intimacy and emotional connection late in the narrative. There is also occasional adult dialogue referencing sexual history or suggestive situations.
Violence and gore in The Card Counter
Torture flashbacks — Abu Ghraib depicted with graphic detail. A murder. The violence is purposeful and devastating.
Language in The Card Counter
Strong profanity is used throughout the film, fitting its R rating and gritty atmosphere. The 'F-word' is used frequently in various contexts, alongside other coarse terms and derogatory remarks. Most of the abrasive language occurs during intense confrontations or during flashbacks to the characters' traumatic military service.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Card Counter
There is no significant use of illegal drugs or excessive substance abuse depicted in the film. Characters may be seen in casino settings or bars where alcohol is present, but it is not a focal point of the story or character development. The narrative remains focused on the psychological burdens of the protagonist rather than chemical dependency.
Mature themes in The Card Counter
A man shaped by his participation in torture trying to atone for it. Whether atonement is possible for certain crimes. The card counting as control — a life entirely circumscribed to prevent further damage. A film in Schrader's tradition of men who cannot forgive themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Card Counter appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Card Counter is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. A former military interrogator turned card counter seeks redemption through a young man connected to his past. Oscar Isaac. Paul Schrader's most Bressonian film. The R rating covers torture flashbacks, strong language…
What age rating does The Card Counter have?
The Card Counter is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Card Counter about?
A former military interrogator turned card counter seeks redemption through a young man connected to his past. Oscar Isaac. Paul Schrader's most Bressonian film. The R rating covers torture flashbacks, strong language, and violence.
Is there sex or nudity in The Card Counter?
The film features a brief, non-graphic sexual encounter between the two lead characters. While nudity is avoided, the scene conveys intimacy and emotional connection late in the narrative. There is also occasional adult dialogue referencing sexual history or…
How violent is The Card Counter?
Torture flashbacks — Abu Ghraib depicted with graphic detail. A murder. The violence is purposeful and devastating.
Is the language in The Card Counter appropriate for kids?
Strong profanity is used throughout the film, fitting its R rating and gritty atmosphere. The 'F-word' is used frequently in various contexts, alongside other coarse terms and derogatory remarks. Most of the abrasive language occurs during intense…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Card Counter?
There is no significant use of illegal drugs or excessive substance abuse depicted in the film. Characters may be seen in casino settings or bars where alcohol is present, but it is not a focal point of the story or character development. The narrative…
What mature themes appear in The Card Counter?
A man shaped by his participation in torture trying to atone for it. Whether atonement is possible for certain crimes. The card counting as control — a life entirely circumscribed to prevent further damage. A film in Schrader's tradition of men who cannot…
How long is The Card Counter?
The Card Counter runs 111 minutes, directed by Paul Schrader, released in 2021.
Where can I read the full The Card Counter 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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