The Importance of Being Earnest (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Two young gentlemen living in 1890s England use the same pseudonym ('Ernest') on the sly, which is fine until they both fall in love with women using that name, which leads to a comedy of mistaken identities.
Rated PG • 2002 • 1h 37m
Based on Oscar Wilde's classic play, The Importance of Being Earnest is a witty comedy of errors rated PG for mild sensuality. The primary content for parents to note is a couple of brief, comedic scenes revealing tattoos on characters' buttocks. Beyond this, there is some social drinking and smoking appropriate to the 1890s setting, and mature themes surrounding marriage, social standing, and the deceptions characters like John… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Importance of Being Earnest appropriate for kids?
Based on Oscar Wilde's classic play, The Importance of Being Earnest is a witty comedy of errors rated PG for mild sensuality. The primary content for parents to note is a couple of brief, comedic scenes revealing tattoos on characters' buttocks. Beyond this, there is some… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Importance of Being Earnest
What happens in The Importance of Being Earnest, moment by moment
- 0:04 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Sex and nudity in The Importance of Being Earnest
Content is mild overall, but includes two instances of brief, comedic nudity. In two separate scenes near the end of the film, a male and a female character each reveal a name tattooed on their buttock. A crude drawing of a nude woman is also briefly seen. The concept of being born out of wedlock is a plot point discussed by a secondary character.
Violence and gore in The Importance of Being Earnest
Violence is almost entirely absent. In one brief, comical moment, one man playfully chokes another during an argument over food, but it is not serious or threatening and is played entirely for laughs.
Language in The Importance of Being Earnest
Language is very mild. The term 'bastard' is used once in the context of discussing a character's unknown parentage. Otherwise, the dialogue is formal and characteristic of the Victorian era.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Importance of Being Earnest
Characters frequently drink wine, champagne, and sherry, and some men smoke cigarettes or cigars, consistent with the 1890s social setting. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.
Mature themes in The Importance of Being Earnest
The central themes of deception and societal critique are complex but handled with lighthearted satire. Characters construct elaborate lies ('Bunburying') to escape social obligations. The film satirizes the class system, particularly through the snobbery of Lady Bracknell, and the institution of marriage.
Scary moments in The Importance of Being Earnest
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for The Importance of Being Earnest yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Importance of Being Earnest appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Importance of Being Earnest is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Based on Oscar Wilde's classic play, The Importance of Being Earnest is a witty comedy of errors rated PG for mild sensuality. The primary content for parents to note is a couple of brief, comedic scenes revealing…
What age rating does The Importance of Being Earnest have?
The Importance of Being Earnest is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is The Importance of Being Earnest about?
Based on Oscar Wilde's classic play, The Importance of Being Earnest is a witty comedy of errors rated PG for mild sensuality. The primary content for parents to note is a couple of brief, comedic scenes revealing tattoos on characters' buttocks. Beyond this, there is some social drinking and smoking appropriate to…
Is there sex or nudity in The Importance of Being Earnest?
Content is mild overall, but includes two instances of brief, comedic nudity. In two separate scenes near the end of the film, a male and a female character each reveal a name tattooed on their buttock. A crude drawing of a nude woman is also briefly seen…
How violent is The Importance of Being Earnest?
Violence is almost entirely absent. In one brief, comical moment, one man playfully chokes another during an argument over food, but it is not serious or threatening and is played entirely for laughs.
Is the language in The Importance of Being Earnest appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild. The term 'bastard' is used once in the context of discussing a character's unknown parentage. Otherwise, the dialogue is formal and characteristic of the Victorian era.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Importance of Being Earnest?
Characters frequently drink wine, champagne, and sherry, and some men smoke cigarettes or cigars, consistent with the 1890s social setting. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.
What mature themes appear in The Importance of Being Earnest?
The central themes of deception and societal critique are complex but handled with lighthearted satire. Characters construct elaborate lies ('Bunburying') to escape social obligations. The film satirizes the class system, particularly through the snobbery of…
How long is The Importance of Being Earnest?
The Importance of Being Earnest runs 97 minutes, directed by Oliver Parker, released in 2002.
Where can I read the full The Importance of Being Earnest parent guide?
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