The Dilemma (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Longtime friends Ronny and Nick are partners in an auto-design firm. They are hard at work on a presentation for a dream project that would really launch their company. Then Ronny spots Nick's wife out with another man, and in the process of investigating the possible affair, he learns that Nick has a few secrets of his own. As the presentation nears, Ronny agonizes over what might happen if the truth gets out.
Rated PG-13 • 2011 • 1h 51m
The Dilemma is a PG-13 comedy-drama whose rating is earned primarily through its mature thematic content and pervasive sexual material. The plot, which follows a man named Ronny who discovers his best friend's wife is having an affair, is centered on infidelity, deceit, and relationship turmoil. Parents should be aware of frequent sexual innuendo, conversations about affairs, two uses of the 'f-word', and a scene of comedic but… Sign up for the full guide
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Is The Dilemma appropriate for kids?
The Dilemma is a PG-13 comedy-drama whose rating is earned primarily through its mature thematic content and pervasive sexual material. The plot, which follows a man named Ronny who discovers his best friend's wife is having an affair, is centered on infidelity, deceit, and… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Dilemma
What happens in The Dilemma, moment by moment
- 0:08 💬 Language 5/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:22 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
Sex and nudity in The Dilemma
Moderate. The film's central plot revolves around infidelity. There are frequent conversations and jokes about sex and cheating. One partially-blurred scene depicts an affair with passionate kissing, groping, and undressing, including brief rear male nudity. Main characters are also shown kissing passionately. A past sexual encounter between two characters is a significant plot point that is used for blackmail.
Violence and gore in The Dilemma
Moderate. While largely a dialogue-driven comedy, there is one significant scene of physical fighting. Ronny and another character engage in a protracted brawl involving punching, kicking, throwing objects, and destroying furniture. A character has a bloodied face after the fight. In another scene, a man is punched in the face and kneed in the groin by his best friend during an emotional confrontation.
Language in The Dilemma
Strong for a PG-13. The dialogue contains at least two uses of 'f--k'. There are also over a dozen uses of 's--t', multiple uses of 'son of a bitch', 'ass', 'bastard', 'prick', and 'pussy'. Religious exclamations like 'Jesus Christ' and 'Goddamn' are also present. A character uses the word 'gay' in a derogatory context during a presentation.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Dilemma
Mild. Characters frequently drink beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages in social settings like parties, bars, and during meals. It is mentioned that a past sexual encounter occurred while two characters were drunk. A core subplot involves a main character's past gambling addiction, with other characters mistakenly believing he has had a relapse.
Mature themes in The Dilemma
Moderate to Strong. The primary themes are infidelity, deceit, and the moral dilemma of whether to reveal a painful truth to a loved one. The film explores the consequences of secrets within friendships and marriages. The topic of gambling addiction and recovery is a significant and recurring plot element, leading to a dramatic intervention scene where all secrets are revealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dilemma appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Dilemma is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Dilemma is a PG-13 comedy-drama whose rating is earned primarily through its mature thematic content and pervasive sexual material. The plot, which follows a man named Ronny who discovers his best friend's wife is…
What age rating does The Dilemma have?
The Dilemma is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Dilemma about?
The Dilemma is a PG-13 comedy-drama whose rating is earned primarily through its mature thematic content and pervasive sexual material. The plot, which follows a man named Ronny who discovers his best friend's wife is having an affair, is centered on infidelity, deceit, and relationship turmoil. Parents should be…
Is there sex or nudity in The Dilemma?
Moderate. The film's central plot revolves around infidelity. There are frequent conversations and jokes about sex and cheating. One partially-blurred scene depicts an affair with passionate kissing, groping, and undressing, including brief rear male nudity…
How violent is The Dilemma?
Moderate. While largely a dialogue-driven comedy, there is one significant scene of physical fighting. Ronny and another character engage in a protracted brawl involving punching, kicking, throwing objects, and destroying furniture. A character has a bloodied…
Is the language in The Dilemma appropriate for kids?
Strong for a PG-13. The dialogue contains at least two uses of 'f--k'. There are also over a dozen uses of 's--t', multiple uses of 'son of a bitch', 'ass', 'bastard', 'prick', and 'pussy'. Religious exclamations like 'Jesus Christ' and 'Goddamn' are also…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Dilemma?
Mild. Characters frequently drink beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages in social settings like parties, bars, and during meals. It is mentioned that a past sexual encounter occurred while two characters were drunk. A core subplot involves a main…
What mature themes appear in The Dilemma?
Moderate to Strong. The primary themes are infidelity, deceit, and the moral dilemma of whether to reveal a painful truth to a loved one. The film explores the consequences of secrets within friendships and marriages. The topic of gambling addiction and…
How long is The Dilemma?
The Dilemma runs 111 minutes, directed by Ron Howard, released in 2011.
Where can I read the full The Dilemma parent guide?
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