The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
An American teenager who is obsessed with Hong Kong cinema and kung-fu classics makes an extraordinary discovery in a Chinatown pawnshop: the legendary stick weapon of the Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. With the lost relic in hand, the teenager unexpectedly finds himself travelling back to ancient China to join a crew of warriors from martial arts lore on a dangerous quest to free the imprisoned Monkey King.
Rated PG-13 • 2008 • 1h 44m
In The Forbidden Kingdom, a martial arts-obsessed teenager named Jason is transported to ancient China, where he joins a band of warriors to rescue the mythical Monkey King. The film is rated PG-13 for frequent martial arts action and several intense, though bloodless, sequences of violence. Parents should be aware of a scene where an elderly man is shot, as well as stylized but lethal combat involving blades and magic. The story… Sign up for the full guide
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Is The Forbidden Kingdom appropriate for kids?
In The Forbidden Kingdom, a martial arts-obsessed teenager named Jason is transported to ancient China, where he joins a band of warriors to rescue the mythical Monkey King. The film is rated PG-13 for frequent martial arts action and several intense, though bloodless, sequences… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Forbidden Kingdom
What happens in The Forbidden Kingdom, moment by moment
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:22 💬 Language 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Forbidden Kingdom
Brief shots of women in a brothel setting include some cleavage and suggestive dancing, but nothing explicit is shown.
Violence and gore in The Forbidden Kingdom
The film features persistent, stylized martial arts combat throughout. Key moments include a shopkeeper being shot, soldiers attacking a village, and several characters meeting their end through sword strikes, arrows, or falling into lava.
Language in The Forbidden Kingdom
Contains sporadic mild profanity, including single uses of 'shit', 'damn', and a derogatory racial slur.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Forbidden Kingdom
One of the central characters, Lu Yan, is constantly drinking wine and is portrayed as needing it to maintain his supernatural abilities.
Mature themes in The Forbidden Kingdom
The narrative includes heavy themes such as the murder of a family, the betrayal of a young woman's community, and the death of heroic mentors during the final battle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Forbidden Kingdom appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Forbidden Kingdom is best for ages 12+. It's rated PG-13. In The Forbidden Kingdom, a martial arts-obsessed teenager named Jason is transported to ancient China, where he joins a band of warriors to rescue the mythical Monkey King. The film is rated PG-13 for frequent martial…
What age rating does The Forbidden Kingdom have?
The Forbidden Kingdom is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.
What is The Forbidden Kingdom about?
In The Forbidden Kingdom, a martial arts-obsessed teenager named Jason is transported to ancient China, where he joins a band of warriors to rescue the mythical Monkey King. The film is rated PG-13 for frequent martial arts action and several intense, though bloodless, sequences of violence. Parents should be aware of…
Is there sex or nudity in The Forbidden Kingdom?
Brief shots of women in a brothel setting include some cleavage and suggestive dancing, but nothing explicit is shown.
How violent is The Forbidden Kingdom?
The film features persistent, stylized martial arts combat throughout. Key moments include a shopkeeper being shot, soldiers attacking a village, and several characters meeting their end through sword strikes, arrows, or falling into lava.
Is the language in The Forbidden Kingdom appropriate for kids?
Contains sporadic mild profanity, including single uses of 'shit', 'damn', and a derogatory racial slur.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Forbidden Kingdom?
One of the central characters, Lu Yan, is constantly drinking wine and is portrayed as needing it to maintain his supernatural abilities.
What mature themes appear in The Forbidden Kingdom?
The narrative includes heavy themes such as the murder of a family, the betrayal of a young woman's community, and the death of heroic mentors during the final battle.
How long is The Forbidden Kingdom?
The Forbidden Kingdom runs 104 minutes, directed by Rob Minkoff, released in 2008.
Where can I read the full The Forbidden Kingdom 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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