The Last Emperor (1987) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A dramatic history of Pu Yi, the last of the Emperors of China, from his lofty birth and brief reign in the Forbidden City, the object of worship by half a billion people; through his abdication, his decline and dissolute lifestyle; his exploitation by the invading Japanese, and finally to his obscure existence as just another peasant worker in the People's Republic.
Rated PG-13 • 1987 • 2h 43m
This epic historical drama earns its PG-13 rating for complex mature themes, moments of bloody violence, sexual content, and persistent drug use. The film chronicles the life of China's last emperor, from his isolated childhood to his imprisonment and 're-education' under Communism. Parents should be aware of a significant subplot involving an empress's descent into opium addiction, a bloody but not graphic suicide attempt, and brief… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Last Emperor appropriate for kids?
This epic historical drama earns its PG-13 rating for complex mature themes, moments of bloody violence, sexual content, and persistent drug use. The film chronicles the life of China's last emperor, from his isolated childhood to his imprisonment and 're-education' under… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Last Emperor
What happens in The Last Emperor, moment by moment
- 0:04 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:07 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:19 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Last Emperor
Moderate. There is brief, non-sexual nudity of a young boy being bathed. A key early scene shows Puyi being breastfed by his wet nurse as an older child (a bare breast is briefly visible). Later, Puyi, his wife, and his concubine are shown in bed together, pulling the sheets over themselves in an implied threesome. In another scene, one woman suggestively sucks another's toes.
Violence and gore in The Last Emperor
Moderate but contains some strong moments. In an early scene, Puyi attempts suicide by slitting his wrists, and we see his hands submerged in a sink as the water clouds with blood. A man is shot and killed, and another commits suicide with a pistol to the head, with some blood shown. During Puyi's imprisonment, he is shown real archival footage of Japanese war atrocities, which includes summary executions and images of dead bodies. In a minor but potentially upsetting moment, a live mouse is thrown against a wall…
Read more — free accountLanguage in The Last Emperor
Very mild. There is a single use of "fuck" spoken by a background character late in the film. Other language is non-profane.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Last Emperor
Moderate. Social drinking of wine occurs at parties. The most significant substance use involves a major character, Empress Wanrong, who becomes addicted to opium. She is shown smoking it on several occasions, and her physical and mental decline due to the addiction is a major plot point.
Mature themes in The Last Emperor
Strong and central to the film. The story is built on themes of political upheaval, loss of identity, imprisonment, and indoctrination. Puyi's life encompasses extreme isolation, the absurdity of his initial power, the trauma of being separated from his family, and the brutality of war. The film deals directly with suicide attempts, war crimes, drug addiction, public shaming during the Cultural Revolution, and an implied instance of infanticide (a newborn baby is killed via lethal injection, though this happens…
Read more — free accountFrequently Asked Questions
Is The Last Emperor appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Last Emperor is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This epic historical drama earns its PG-13 rating for complex mature themes, moments of bloody violence, sexual content, and persistent drug use. The film chronicles the life of China's last emperor, from his isolated…
What age rating does The Last Emperor have?
The Last Emperor is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Last Emperor about?
This epic historical drama earns its PG-13 rating for complex mature themes, moments of bloody violence, sexual content, and persistent drug use. The film chronicles the life of China's last emperor, from his isolated childhood to his imprisonment and 're-education' under Communism. Parents should be aware of a…
Is there sex or nudity in The Last Emperor?
Moderate. There is brief, non-sexual nudity of a young boy being bathed. A key early scene shows Puyi being breastfed by his wet nurse as an older child (a bare breast is briefly visible). Later, Puyi, his wife, and his concubine are shown in bed together…
How violent is The Last Emperor?
Moderate but contains some strong moments. In an early scene, Puyi attempts suicide by slitting his wrists, and we see his hands submerged in a sink as the water clouds with blood. A man is shot and killed, and another commits suicide with a pistol to the…
Is the language in The Last Emperor appropriate for kids?
Very mild. There is a single use of "fuck" spoken by a background character late in the film. Other language is non-profane.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Last Emperor?
Moderate. Social drinking of wine occurs at parties. The most significant substance use involves a major character, Empress Wanrong, who becomes addicted to opium. She is shown smoking it on several occasions, and her physical and mental decline due to the…
What mature themes appear in The Last Emperor?
Strong and central to the film. The story is built on themes of political upheaval, loss of identity, imprisonment, and indoctrination. Puyi's life encompasses extreme isolation, the absurdity of his initial power, the trauma of being separated from his…
How long is The Last Emperor?
The Last Emperor runs 163 minutes, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, released in 1987.
Where can I read the full The Last Emperor parent guide?
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