The Judge (2014) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A successful lawyer returns to his hometown for his mother's funeral only to discover that his estranged father, the town's judge, is suspected of murder.
Rated R • 2014 • 2h 21m
The Judge is an R-rated legal and family drama centered on lawyer Hank Palmer's return to his Indiana hometown to defend his estranged father, a judge accused of murder. The film earns its rating primarily for pervasive strong language, including frequent use of "f--k". The core of the film, however, consists of intensely mature and emotionally heavy themes, including terminal illness, a parent's death, and a deeply dysfunctional… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Judge appropriate for kids?
The Judge is an R-rated legal and family drama centered on lawyer Hank Palmer's return to his Indiana hometown to defend his estranged father, a judge accused of murder. The film earns its rating primarily for pervasive strong language, including frequent use of "f--k". The core… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Judge
What happens in The Judge, moment by moment
- 0:04 💬 Language 7/10
- 0:11 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:20 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in The Judge
Content is limited to some sexual references and innuendo. A man and a woman share a passionate kiss but are interrupted. In another scene, a character makes a crude comment about pleasuring herself. There is no nudity or sexual activity.
Violence and gore in The Judge
Physical violence is minimal. A hit-and-run murder is central to the plot but occurs off-screen and is only discussed. Characters get into a few very tense arguments, one of which nearly comes to blows in a bar before being broken up. The primary source of conflict is verbal and emotional, not physical.
Language in The Judge
The film contains strong and frequent profanity, which is the main reason for its R rating. There are over two dozen uses of the 'f-word', often during heated arguments. Other language includes "s--t," "asshole," "bitch," and "goddamn."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Judge
Substance use is present but not excessive. Characters are seen drinking socially in bars and at home. A key plot point involves the Judge's history as a recovered alcoholic, and whether he was drinking at the time of the alleged crime. Characters also smoke cigarettes occasionally.
Mature themes in The Judge
Thematic content is very strong and emotionally intense. The film centers on a fractured and resentful father-son relationship, unresolved family trauma, and the process of reconciliation. It deals heavily with terminal cancer, showing the physical and emotional toll of the disease, including a medically graphic, non-gory scene of a character losing control of his bodily functions. Grief, mortality, and a character's eventual death are central elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Judge appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Judge is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. The Judge is an R-rated legal and family drama centered on lawyer Hank Palmer's return to his Indiana hometown to defend his estranged father, a judge accused of murder. The film earns its rating primarily for pervasive…
What age rating does The Judge have?
The Judge is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Judge about?
The Judge is an R-rated legal and family drama centered on lawyer Hank Palmer's return to his Indiana hometown to defend his estranged father, a judge accused of murder. The film earns its rating primarily for pervasive strong language, including frequent use of "f--k". The core of the film, however, consists of…
Is there sex or nudity in The Judge?
Content is limited to some sexual references and innuendo. A man and a woman share a passionate kiss but are interrupted. In another scene, a character makes a crude comment about pleasuring herself. There is no nudity or sexual activity.
How violent is The Judge?
Physical violence is minimal. A hit-and-run murder is central to the plot but occurs off-screen and is only discussed. Characters get into a few very tense arguments, one of which nearly comes to blows in a bar before being broken up. The primary source of…
Is the language in The Judge appropriate for kids?
The film contains strong and frequent profanity, which is the main reason for its R rating. There are over two dozen uses of the 'f-word', often during heated arguments. Other language includes "s--t," "asshole," "bitch," and "goddamn."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Judge?
Substance use is present but not excessive. Characters are seen drinking socially in bars and at home. A key plot point involves the Judge's history as a recovered alcoholic, and whether he was drinking at the time of the alleged crime. Characters also smoke…
What mature themes appear in The Judge?
Thematic content is very strong and emotionally intense. The film centers on a fractured and resentful father-son relationship, unresolved family trauma, and the process of reconciliation. It deals heavily with terminal cancer, showing the physical and…
How long is The Judge?
The Judge runs 141 minutes, directed by David Dobkin, released in 2014.
Where can I read the full The Judge parent guide?
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