Poster for The Castle

The Castle (1997) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The quirky Kerrigan family lives together in a makeshift home they built themselves – with great pride and a bizarre attention to detail – a few yards from the edge of Melbourne, Australia's busy Tullamarine Airport. When a building inspector condemns the building and reveals that the government plans to use their land for an airport expansion, Darryl Kerrigan and his brood recruit hack attorney Dennis Denuto and prepare themselves for the fight of their lives.

Rated R • 1997 • 1h 25m

7.1
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
15+

The Castle is a heartwarming Australian comedy whose R-rating in the United States is based entirely on its frequent use of profanity, including over twenty uses of "f--k". Other than its strong language, the film is remarkably mild, containing no violence, sex, or nudity whatsoever. The story follows the quirky Kerrigan family and their legal battle to save their beloved home from being demolished for an airport expansion. The themes… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Michael Caton
Michael Caton
Anne Tenney
Anne Tenney
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry
Anthony Simcoe
Anthony Simcoe
Sophie Lee
Sophie Lee
Wayne Hope
Wayne Hope
Tiriel Mora
Tiriel Mora
Eric Bana
Eric Bana
Charles Tingwell
Charles Tingwell
Robyn Nevin
Robyn Nevin
Costas Kilias
Costas Kilias
Bryan Dawe
Bryan Dawe
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Is The Castle appropriate for kids?

The Castle is a heartwarming Australian comedy whose R-rating in the United States is based entirely on its frequent use of profanity, including over twenty uses of "f--k". Other than its strong language, the film is remarkably mild, containing no violence, sex, or nudity… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Castle

Sex Mild 1/10
Violence None 0/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in The Castle, moment by moment

  1. 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  2. 0:16 💬 Language 7/10
  3. 0:21 🍷 Substances 2/10
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Sex and nudity in The Castle

This category is almost entirely absent. There is a single, brief, and very subtle joke where a character's dog is named "Red Rocket," a slang term for a canine erection that will go over most viewers' heads.

Violence and gore in The Castle

There is no violence or gore in the film. Characters face legal and emotional conflict, but there are no physical altercations, threats, or weapons.

Language in The Castle

Strong and frequent. The film's R-rating is due to its language content. According to user reports, there are over 20 uses of "f--k" and multiple uses of "shit," "dickhead," and "asshole," often used for comedic emphasis or to show frustration.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Castle

Mild. Adult characters are frequently seen drinking beer in social settings, such as at the dinner table or while relaxing. All depictions are casual and not associated with problematic behavior.

Mature themes in The Castle

The film's central themes are the meaning of home, family loyalty, and the classic 'David vs. Goliath' story of an underdog fighting the system. The Kerrigan family faces the stressful and emotionally taxing prospect of losing their home, which is treated with both humor and pathos.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Castle appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Castle is best for ages 15+. It's rated R. The Castle is a heartwarming Australian comedy whose R-rating in the United States is based entirely on its frequent use of profanity, including over twenty uses of "f--k". Other than its strong language, the film is…

What age rating does The Castle have?

The Castle is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 15+.

What is The Castle about?

The Castle is a heartwarming Australian comedy whose R-rating in the United States is based entirely on its frequent use of profanity, including over twenty uses of "f--k". Other than its strong language, the film is remarkably mild, containing no violence, sex, or nudity whatsoever. The story follows the quirky…

Is there sex or nudity in The Castle?

This category is almost entirely absent. There is a single, brief, and very subtle joke where a character's dog is named "Red Rocket," a slang term for a canine erection that will go over most viewers' heads.

How violent is The Castle?

There is no violence or gore in the film. Characters face legal and emotional conflict, but there are no physical altercations, threats, or weapons.

Is the language in The Castle appropriate for kids?

Strong and frequent. The film's R-rating is due to its language content. According to user reports, there are over 20 uses of "f--k" and multiple uses of "shit," "dickhead," and "asshole," often used for comedic emphasis or to show frustration.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Castle?

Mild. Adult characters are frequently seen drinking beer in social settings, such as at the dinner table or while relaxing. All depictions are casual and not associated with problematic behavior.

What mature themes appear in The Castle?

The film's central themes are the meaning of home, family loyalty, and the classic 'David vs. Goliath' story of an underdog fighting the system. The Kerrigan family faces the stressful and emotionally taxing prospect of losing their home, which is treated…

How long is The Castle?

The Castle runs 85 minutes, directed by Rob Sitch, released in 1997.

Where can I read the full The Castle parent guide?

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