The New World (2005) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A drama about explorer John Smith and the clash between Native Americans and English settlers in the 17th century.
Rated PG-13 • 2005 • 2h 31m
Director Terrence Malick's "The New World" is a historical drama rated PG-13 primarily for its intense and sometimes brutal battle sequences. The film depicts the violent clashes between English settlers and Native Americans in 17th-century Virginia with shootings, stabbings, and some brief but disturbing imagery, including a severed head. Aside from the violence, content is relatively mild, with a brief non-sexual nude silhouette… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The New World appropriate for kids?
Director Terrence Malick's "The New World" is a historical drama rated PG-13 primarily for its intense and sometimes brutal battle sequences. The film depicts the violent clashes between English settlers and Native Americans in 17th-century Virginia with shootings, stabbings… Read more — free account
Content severity in The New World
What happens in The New World, moment by moment
- 0:22 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:26 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:45 🍷 Substances 2/10
Sex and nudity in The New World
Sexual content is very light. There are scenes of kissing and embracing between Pocahontas and John Smith, and later between Pocahontas and John Rolfe. In one brief scene, a woman is seen swimming, during which her nude silhouette and the side of a breast are fleetingly visible. Some period costumes worn by English women reveal cleavage.
Violence and gore in The New World
The film received its PG-13 rating for sequences of historical violence, which can be sudden and intense. There are two major battle scenes between the English settlers and Native Americans featuring musket fire, arrow attacks, and hand-to-hand combat with clubs and knives; deaths are implied and shown without graphic detail. Some disturbing but brief imagery includes a severed head on a stick and a severed hand being passed around. A man is nearly executed with a club, and other characters are shot, with minimal…
Read more — free accountLanguage in The New World
Language is very sparse. The word "bastard" is used once, along with some other minor exclamations.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The New World
Substance use is minimal and incidental to the historical setting. English settlers are occasionally shown drinking alcohol socially within the Jamestown fort.
Mature themes in The New World
The film explores complex and mature themes, including colonialism, cultural annihilation, and the devastating impact of clashing civilizations. Personal themes are also strong, dealing with love, loss, grief, exile, and arranged marriage. The starvation and sickness within the Jamestown settlement are depicted, as is the death of a main character from illness, which may be emotionally difficult for some viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The New World appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The New World is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Director Terrence Malick's "The New World" is a historical drama rated PG-13 primarily for its intense and sometimes brutal battle sequences. The film depicts the violent clashes between English settlers and Native…
What age rating does The New World have?
The New World is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The New World about?
Director Terrence Malick's "The New World" is a historical drama rated PG-13 primarily for its intense and sometimes brutal battle sequences. The film depicts the violent clashes between English settlers and Native Americans in 17th-century Virginia with shootings, stabbings, and some brief but disturbing imagery…
Is there sex or nudity in The New World?
Sexual content is very light. There are scenes of kissing and embracing between Pocahontas and John Smith, and later between Pocahontas and John Rolfe. In one brief scene, a woman is seen swimming, during which her nude silhouette and the side of a breast are…
How violent is The New World?
The film received its PG-13 rating for sequences of historical violence, which can be sudden and intense. There are two major battle scenes between the English settlers and Native Americans featuring musket fire, arrow attacks, and hand-to-hand combat with…
Is the language in The New World appropriate for kids?
Language is very sparse. The word "bastard" is used once, along with some other minor exclamations.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The New World?
Substance use is minimal and incidental to the historical setting. English settlers are occasionally shown drinking alcohol socially within the Jamestown fort.
What mature themes appear in The New World?
The film explores complex and mature themes, including colonialism, cultural annihilation, and the devastating impact of clashing civilizations. Personal themes are also strong, dealing with love, loss, grief, exile, and arranged marriage. The starvation and…
How long is The New World?
The New World runs 151 minutes, directed by Terrence Malick, released in 2005.
Where can I read the full The New World parent guide?
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