Poster for The Duke

The Duke (2021) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In 1961, a 60-year-old taxi driver stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery’s history. What happened next became the stuff of legend.

Rated R • 2021 • 1h 36m

Age
13+

The Duke is a biographical drama centered on Kempton Bunton, a taxi driver who steals a famous Goya painting to protest television license fees for the elderly. The film received an R-rating primarily due to moderate language and a single scene of sexual content. Parents should note the inclusion of brief, clothed sexual activity and frequent, coarse British profanity throughout the narrative. It is a mature, character-driven story… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Jim Broadbent
Jim Broadbent
Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren
Fionn Whitehead
Fionn Whitehead
Anna Maxwell Martin
Anna Maxwell Martin
Matthew Goode
Matthew Goode
Jack Bandeira
Jack Bandeira
Aimee Kelly
Aimee Kelly
Charlotte Spencer
Charlotte Spencer
Heather Craney
Heather Craney
Stephen Rashbrook
Stephen Rashbrook
James Wilby
James Wilby
John Heffernan
John Heffernan
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Is The Duke appropriate for kids?

The Duke is a biographical drama centered on Kempton Bunton, a taxi driver who steals a famous Goya painting to protest television license fees for the elderly. The film received an R-rating primarily due to moderate language and a single scene of sexual content. Parents should… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Duke

Sex Strong 5/10
Violence None 0/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Moderate 3/10

What happens in The Duke, moment by moment

  1. 0:12 🍷 Substances 2/10
  2. 0:18 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  3. 0:25 💬 Language 4/10
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Sex and nudity in The Duke

There is one scene featuring a couple engaged in rough sexual activity; both characters remain fully clothed throughout the encounter, and no nudity is shown. A close-up of a painted woman's nipple is visible in an art gallery context. These elements are brief but clearly intended for an adult audience.

Violence and gore in The Duke

None. The film contains no on-screen physical violence, combat, or gore.

Language in The Duke

The film contains moderate, recurring profanity, including approximately eight uses of the 'f-word,' along with various British terms like 'bollocks,' 'arse,' 'bugger,' 'sod,' and 'bloody.' Other terms such as 'bastard,' 'piss,' 'shit,' and 'balls' are also used during dialogue.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Duke

There is light depiction of social drinking, and characters are seen smoking cigarettes and pipes in several scenes consistent with the 1960s setting.

Mature themes in The Duke

The narrative centers on the tragic death of the Bunton family's daughter in a bicycle accident, which serves as a recurring, emotionally heavy point of grief and strain in the marriage. There are also mature discussions regarding poverty, legal systems, and the morality of civil disobedience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Duke appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Duke is best for ages 13+. It's rated R. The Duke is a biographical drama centered on Kempton Bunton, a taxi driver who steals a famous Goya painting to protest television license fees for the elderly. The film received an R-rating primarily due to moderate…

What age rating does The Duke have?

The Duke is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Duke about?

The Duke is a biographical drama centered on Kempton Bunton, a taxi driver who steals a famous Goya painting to protest television license fees for the elderly. The film received an R-rating primarily due to moderate language and a single scene of sexual content. Parents should note the inclusion of brief, clothed…

Is there sex or nudity in The Duke?

There is one scene featuring a couple engaged in rough sexual activity; both characters remain fully clothed throughout the encounter, and no nudity is shown. A close-up of a painted woman's nipple is visible in an art gallery context. These elements are…

How violent is The Duke?

None. The film contains no on-screen physical violence, combat, or gore.

Is the language in The Duke appropriate for kids?

The film contains moderate, recurring profanity, including approximately eight uses of the 'f-word,' along with various British terms like 'bollocks,' 'arse,' 'bugger,' 'sod,' and 'bloody.' Other terms such as 'bastard,' 'piss,' 'shit,' and 'balls' are also…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Duke?

There is light depiction of social drinking, and characters are seen smoking cigarettes and pipes in several scenes consistent with the 1960s setting.

What mature themes appear in The Duke?

The narrative centers on the tragic death of the Bunton family's daughter in a bicycle accident, which serves as a recurring, emotionally heavy point of grief and strain in the marriage. There are also mature discussions regarding poverty, legal systems, and…

How long is The Duke?

The Duke runs 96 minutes, directed by Roger Michell, released in 2021.

Where can I read the full The Duke parent guide?

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