The Classic (2003) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Ji-hae's friend is having problems expressing her feelings to the boy she loves, so she asks Ji-hae to write e-mails to him in her name. As the boy falls in love with her letters, Ji-hae discovers the story of her mother's romance which is remarkably similar to her own circumstances.
Rated NR • 2003 • 2h 13m
The Classic is a South Korean romance that tells the parallel love stories of a mother and daughter. While primarily a tender and emotional drama, the film's unrated status hides some mature content that parents should be aware of. The story includes themes of war, with a sequence showing a main character, Joon-ha, being injured and blinded in an explosion during the Vietnam War. Other intense emotional moments include severe parental… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Classic appropriate for kids?
The Classic is a South Korean romance that tells the parallel love stories of a mother and daughter. While primarily a tender and emotional drama, the film's unrated status hides some mature content that parents should be aware of. The story includes themes of war, with a… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Classic
What happens in The Classic, moment by moment
- 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
- 0:25 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
- 0:28 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Classic
Content is mild and mostly romantic. Characters share a few gentle kisses and embraces. In one comedic/hazing scene, a group of male students are seen with their bare buttocks briefly exposed in a non-sexual context.
Violence and gore in The Classic
Violence is infrequent but includes some impactful scenes. One character, Tae-soo, is severely beaten by his father with a belt (the beating is heard more than seen). A college hazing scene involves students being paddled. A key sequence set during the Vietnam War features explosions and results in a main character's life-altering injury.
Language in The Classic
None. No profanity is used in the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Classic
None. There is no on-screen use of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs.
Mature themes in The Classic
The film explores strong emotional themes, including the pain of forbidden love, class differences, and arranged marriage. A major character goes to war, is permanently disabled, and eventually dies. There is a deeply emotional depiction of a suicide attempt by hanging (the character survives) and significant scenes of grief and loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Classic appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Classic is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. The Classic is a South Korean romance that tells the parallel love stories of a mother and daughter. While primarily a tender and emotional drama, the film's unrated status hides some mature content that parents should…
What age rating does The Classic have?
The Classic is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Classic about?
The Classic is a South Korean romance that tells the parallel love stories of a mother and daughter. While primarily a tender and emotional drama, the film's unrated status hides some mature content that parents should be aware of. The story includes themes of war, with a sequence showing a main character, Joon-ha…
Is there sex or nudity in The Classic?
Content is mild and mostly romantic. Characters share a few gentle kisses and embraces. In one comedic/hazing scene, a group of male students are seen with their bare buttocks briefly exposed in a non-sexual context.
How violent is The Classic?
Violence is infrequent but includes some impactful scenes. One character, Tae-soo, is severely beaten by his father with a belt (the beating is heard more than seen). A college hazing scene involves students being paddled. A key sequence set during the…
Is the language in The Classic appropriate for kids?
None. No profanity is used in the film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Classic?
None. There is no on-screen use of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs.
What mature themes appear in The Classic?
The film explores strong emotional themes, including the pain of forbidden love, class differences, and arranged marriage. A major character goes to war, is permanently disabled, and eventually dies. There is a deeply emotional depiction of a suicide attempt…
How long is The Classic?
The Classic runs 133 minutes, directed by Kwak Jae-yong, released in 2003.
Where can I read the full The Classic 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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