The Courier (2020) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Cold War spy Greville Wynne and his Russian source try to put an end to the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Rated PG-13 • 2020 • 1h 52m
Based on a true story, The Courier is a tense Cold War spy thriller that earns its PG-13 rating primarily through its intense themes and unsettling depiction of imprisonment. The film follows businessman Greville Wynne as he is recruited to smuggle intelligence out of the USSR to avert the Cuban Missile Crisis. Parents should be aware of scenes involving prison brutality, brief but clear male nudity, a single use of strong language… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Courier appropriate for kids?
Based on a true story, The Courier is a tense Cold War spy thriller that earns its PG-13 rating primarily through its intense themes and unsettling depiction of imprisonment. The film follows businessman Greville Wynne as he is recruited to smuggle intelligence out of the USSR… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Courier
What happens in The Courier, moment by moment
- 0:06 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
Sex and nudity in The Courier
Contains some sexual content and notable nudity. An early scene implies sex between a husband and wife, with passionate kissing before cutting away. Later, after being imprisoned, the main character is shown fully nude from the rear for an extended period in a shower. He is also ordered to strip in another scene, covering his genitals, and subjected to a humiliating (though not detailed) cavity search. His wife's unfounded suspicions of an affair are a minor plot point.
Violence and gore in The Courier
Violence is infrequent but can be impactful. A character is shot in the head in one scene; the moment is quick and not bloody. The latter part of the film contains scenes of prison brutality where the main character is punched and beaten by guards. The physical toll of his imprisonment is shown through his emaciated and battered appearance.
Language in The Courier
Language is infrequent but includes one use of "f--k". Other milder profanity includes a use of "a-hole" and "hell." There are also a few exasperated uses of God's name. The dialogue is otherwise clean.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Courier
Smoking and drinking are pervasive throughout the film, accurately reflecting the social norms of the 1960s. Characters are constantly seen with cigarettes and drinking alcoholic beverages like whiskey, gin, and vodka in social and business settings. There is no depiction of illicit drug use.
Mature themes in The Courier
The film deals with intense and mature themes. The central theme is the immense stress and danger of espionage during the Cold War, with the constant threat of nuclear annihilation as a backdrop. It explores profound personal sacrifice, betrayal, and patriotism. The film's final act focuses heavily on the psychological and physical horrors of imprisonment, showing the main character's severe deterioration. The off-screen execution of a key character is reported, contributing to the grim but historically-grounded…
Read more — free accountFrequently Asked Questions
Is The Courier appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Courier is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Based on a true story, The Courier is a tense Cold War spy thriller that earns its PG-13 rating primarily through its intense themes and unsettling depiction of imprisonment. The film follows businessman Greville Wynne…
What age rating does The Courier have?
The Courier is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Courier about?
Based on a true story, The Courier is a tense Cold War spy thriller that earns its PG-13 rating primarily through its intense themes and unsettling depiction of imprisonment. The film follows businessman Greville Wynne as he is recruited to smuggle intelligence out of the USSR to avert the Cuban Missile Crisis…
Is there sex or nudity in The Courier?
Contains some sexual content and notable nudity. An early scene implies sex between a husband and wife, with passionate kissing before cutting away. Later, after being imprisoned, the main character is shown fully nude from the rear for an extended period in…
How violent is The Courier?
Violence is infrequent but can be impactful. A character is shot in the head in one scene; the moment is quick and not bloody. The latter part of the film contains scenes of prison brutality where the main character is punched and beaten by guards. The…
Is the language in The Courier appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent but includes one use of "f--k". Other milder profanity includes a use of "a-hole" and "hell." There are also a few exasperated uses of God's name. The dialogue is otherwise clean.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Courier?
Smoking and drinking are pervasive throughout the film, accurately reflecting the social norms of the 1960s. Characters are constantly seen with cigarettes and drinking alcoholic beverages like whiskey, gin, and vodka in social and business settings. There is…
What mature themes appear in The Courier?
The film deals with intense and mature themes. The central theme is the immense stress and danger of espionage during the Cold War, with the constant threat of nuclear annihilation as a backdrop. It explores profound personal sacrifice, betrayal, and…
How long is The Courier?
The Courier runs 112 minutes, directed by Dominic Cooke, released in 2020.
Where can I read the full The Courier parent guide?
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