The Client (1994) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A street-wise kid, Mark Sway, sees the suicide of Jerome Clifford, a prominent Louisiana lawyer, whose current client is Barry 'The Blade' Muldano, a Mafia hit-man. Before Jerome shoots himself, he tells Mark where the body of a Senator is buried. Clifford shoots himself and Mark is found at the scene, and both the FBI and the Mafia quickly realize that Mark probably knows more than he says.
Rated PG-13 • 1994 • 2h 1m
Overall: An 11-year-old boy witnesses a mob lawyer's suicide — and knows too much. He hires a scrappy attorney to protect him from both the mob and an ambitious prosecutor. Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones. PG-13 rating is appropriate.
Cast
Is The Client appropriate for kids?
Overall: An 11-year-old boy witnesses a mob lawyer's suicide — and knows too much. He hires a scrappy attorney to protect him from both the mob and an ambitious prosecutor. Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones. PG-13 rating is appropriate. Read more — free account
Content severity in The Client
What happens in The Client, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:18 💬 Language 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Client
There are no sex scenes or instances of nudity throughout the film. The story focuses strictly on the legal and criminal thriller elements, maintaining a professional and serious tone appropriate for the rating. Minimal flirtatious dialogue may occur, but it is entirely incidental to the plot.
Violence and gore in The Client
The film opens with a sequence involving a man committing suicide via a self-inflicted gunshot, which is intense but stylistically handled for a PG-13 audience. Throughout the story, there are instances of mob intimidation, physical scuffles, and threats of harm against a minor. While blood is kept to a minimum, the sense of peril and the discovery of a corpse provide significant moments of suspense.
Language in The Client
The film contains moderate language consistent with a mid-90s legal thriller, including several uses of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'son of a bitch.' The 'f-word' is used sparingly for emphasis, fitting within the constraints of its PG-13 rating. Most of the dialogue is focused on legal jargon and confrontational arguments between the lawyers and the mob.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Client
There is no significant depiction of illegal drug use or substance abuse in the movie. While some characters may be seen in environments where alcohol is present, such as a bar or office, there is no focus on intoxication. Smoking is also virtually non-existent, reflecting the serious and goal-oriented nature of the characters.
Mature themes in The Client
A child navigating the criminal justice system — the film is remarkable for treating Mark Sway as a genuinely intelligent agent of his own fate. Susan Sarandon's Reggie Love is one of cinema's great legal heroes. John Grisham adaptation at its most entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Client appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Client is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Overall: An 11-year-old boy witnesses a mob lawyer's suicide — and knows too much. He hires a scrappy attorney to protect him from both the mob and an ambitious prosecutor. Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee…
What age rating does The Client have?
The Client is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Client about?
Overall: An 11-year-old boy witnesses a mob lawyer's suicide — and knows too much. He hires a scrappy attorney to protect him from both the mob and an ambitious prosecutor. Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones. PG-13 rating is appropriate.
Is there sex or nudity in The Client?
There are no sex scenes or instances of nudity throughout the film. The story focuses strictly on the legal and criminal thriller elements, maintaining a professional and serious tone appropriate for the rating. Minimal flirtatious dialogue may occur, but it…
How violent is The Client?
The film opens with a sequence involving a man committing suicide via a self-inflicted gunshot, which is intense but stylistically handled for a PG-13 audience. Throughout the story, there are instances of mob intimidation, physical scuffles, and threats of…
Is the language in The Client appropriate for kids?
The film contains moderate language consistent with a mid-90s legal thriller, including several uses of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'son of a bitch.' The 'f-word' is used sparingly for emphasis, fitting within the constraints of its PG-13 rating. Most of the dialogue…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Client?
There is no significant depiction of illegal drug use or substance abuse in the movie. While some characters may be seen in environments where alcohol is present, such as a bar or office, there is no focus on intoxication. Smoking is also virtually…
What mature themes appear in The Client?
A child navigating the criminal justice system — the film is remarkable for treating Mark Sway as a genuinely intelligent agent of his own fate. Susan Sarandon's Reggie Love is one of cinema's great legal heroes. John Grisham adaptation at its most…
How long is The Client?
The Client runs 121 minutes, directed by Joel Schumacher, released in 1994.
Where can I read the full The Client parent guide?
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