The Devil's Arithmetic (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
An American-born Jewish adolescent, Hannah Stern, is uninterested in the culture, faith and customs of her relatives. However, she begins to revaluate her heritage when she has a supernatural experience that transports her back to a Nazi death camp in 1941. There she meets a young girl named Rivkah, a fellow captive in the camp. As Rivkah and Hannah struggle to survive in the face of daily atrocities, they form an unbreakable bond.
Rated PG • 1999 • 1h 35m
The Devil's Arithmetic is rated PG but contains mature thematic material far more intense than typical family fare. The film follows Hannah, a modern teenager who is transported back in time to a Nazi concentration camp in 1941. Parents should be aware of non-graphic but deeply disturbing content related to the Holocaust, including scenes of forced tattooing, a public hanging, and the terror of a gas chamber. While profanity and gore… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Devil's Arithmetic appropriate for kids?
The Devil's Arithmetic is rated PG but contains mature thematic material far more intense than typical family fare. The film follows Hannah, a modern teenager who is transported back in time to a Nazi concentration camp in 1941. Parents should be aware of non-graphic but deeply… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Devil's Arithmetic
What happens in The Devil's Arithmetic, moment by moment
- 0:08 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:16 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:26 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in The Devil's Arithmetic
Brief, non-sexual nudity is seen in a humiliating context. Upon arriving at the concentration camp, female prisoners, including the teenage protagonist, are forced to undress. The camera avoids showing explicit nudity, focusing on backs, shoulders, and legs, but the scene is intended to show their degradation.
Violence and gore in The Devil's Arithmetic
Violence is not graphically gory but several scenes are disturbing due to their context. Prisoners are forcibly tattooed on the arm with some blood shown. In a key scene, several men who attempted an escape are executed by hanging; the scene shows them dangling from ropes. Nazi guards are frequently seen shoving and shouting at prisoners.
Language in The Devil's Arithmetic
Profanity is not present in the form of common swear words. However, guards use dehumanizing language and slurs towards the Jewish prisoners to assert dominance and strip them of their identity. The term 'dogs' is used in this derogatory context.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Devil's Arithmetic
A single scene features alcohol use. During the Passover Seder at the beginning of the film, Hannah drinks ceremonial wine. It is later commented that she had too much to drink when she feels faint, just before she is transported back in time.
Mature themes in The Devil's Arithmetic
Thematic content is pervasive and intense, dealing directly with the Holocaust and its atrocities. Dehumanization is a central theme, shown through forced head-shaving, tattooing, and stripping of possessions. Sacrifice, survival, and the importance of remembering history are key messages. Death is a constant threat, culminating in a harrowing sequence involving a gas chamber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Devil's Arithmetic appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Devil's Arithmetic is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG. The Devil's Arithmetic is rated PG but contains mature thematic material far more intense than typical family fare. The film follows Hannah, a modern teenager who is transported back in time to a Nazi concentration camp…
What age rating does The Devil's Arithmetic have?
The Devil's Arithmetic is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Devil's Arithmetic about?
The Devil's Arithmetic is rated PG but contains mature thematic material far more intense than typical family fare. The film follows Hannah, a modern teenager who is transported back in time to a Nazi concentration camp in 1941. Parents should be aware of non-graphic but deeply disturbing content related to the…
Is there sex or nudity in The Devil's Arithmetic?
Brief, non-sexual nudity is seen in a humiliating context. Upon arriving at the concentration camp, female prisoners, including the teenage protagonist, are forced to undress. The camera avoids showing explicit nudity, focusing on backs, shoulders, and legs…
How violent is The Devil's Arithmetic?
Violence is not graphically gory but several scenes are disturbing due to their context. Prisoners are forcibly tattooed on the arm with some blood shown. In a key scene, several men who attempted an escape are executed by hanging; the scene shows them…
Is the language in The Devil's Arithmetic appropriate for kids?
Profanity is not present in the form of common swear words. However, guards use dehumanizing language and slurs towards the Jewish prisoners to assert dominance and strip them of their identity. The term 'dogs' is used in this derogatory context.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Devil's Arithmetic?
A single scene features alcohol use. During the Passover Seder at the beginning of the film, Hannah drinks ceremonial wine. It is later commented that she had too much to drink when she feels faint, just before she is transported back in time.
What mature themes appear in The Devil's Arithmetic?
Thematic content is pervasive and intense, dealing directly with the Holocaust and its atrocities. Dehumanization is a central theme, shown through forced head-shaving, tattooing, and stripping of possessions. Sacrifice, survival, and the importance of…
How long is The Devil's Arithmetic?
The Devil's Arithmetic runs 95 minutes, directed by Donna Deitch, released in 1999.
Where can I read the full The Devil's Arithmetic 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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