The Notebook (2004) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
An epic love story centered around an older man who reads aloud to a woman with Alzheimer's. From a faded notebook, the old man's words bring to life the story about a couple who is separated by World War II, and is then passionately reunited, seven years later, after they have taken different paths.
Rated PG-13 • 2004 • 2h 3m
This classic romantic drama earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its mature thematic content and some sexuality. The film's central storyline involves an elderly woman with severe dementia, and features a highly distressing scene where she panics and doesn't recognize her husband, which may be very upsetting for some viewers. The sexuality consists of two passionate love scenes that include implied sex and non-explicit nudity (bare… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Notebook appropriate for kids?
This classic romantic drama earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its mature thematic content and some sexuality. The film's central storyline involves an elderly woman with severe dementia, and features a highly distressing scene where she panics and doesn't recognize her… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Notebook
What happens in The Notebook, moment by moment
- 0:07 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:20 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:38 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Notebook
The rating is primarily for two passionate sex scenes between the main characters, Noah and Allie. These scenes involve intense kissing, implied sexual activity, and some non-explicit nudity, such as bare backs, legs, and silhouettes of intertwined bodies. One scene early in the film shows a room of men during an army physical, with brief, non-sexual rear nudity. Other content includes frequent kissing, embraces, and characters in period-appropriate swimwear.
Violence and gore in The Notebook
Violence is mild and infrequent. A brief World War II sequence shows explosions and a friend of the main character is shown dead on the battlefield without graphic detail. In a hospital for veterans, some men are seen with missing limbs. During arguments, Allie sometimes slaps or shoves Noah.
Language in The Notebook
Language is mild for a PG-13 film. There are a few uses of terms like "son of a bitch," "bastard," "damn," and "Goddamn." There is no use of the f-word.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Notebook
Substance use is mild and reflects the 1940s time period. Adult characters are occasionally seen smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol (beer, wine) in social settings, such as at parties or with meals.
Mature themes in The Notebook
Thematic content is strong and emotionally intense. The film's frame story is built around a character's battle with dementia (Alzheimer's), which is depicted realistically and includes a distressing scene of panic, confusion, and fear. The story also deals with class-based prejudice, the grief of losing a parent and a friend in war, heartbreak from forced separation, and a plot point involving infidelity. The film concludes with the peaceful, willing death of the two elderly main characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Notebook appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Notebook is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This classic romantic drama earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its mature thematic content and some sexuality. The film's central storyline involves an elderly woman with severe dementia, and features a highly…
What age rating does The Notebook have?
The Notebook is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Notebook about?
This classic romantic drama earns its PG-13 rating primarily for its mature thematic content and some sexuality. The film's central storyline involves an elderly woman with severe dementia, and features a highly distressing scene where she panics and doesn't recognize her husband, which may be very upsetting for some…
Is there sex or nudity in The Notebook?
The rating is primarily for two passionate sex scenes between the main characters, Noah and Allie. These scenes involve intense kissing, implied sexual activity, and some non-explicit nudity, such as bare backs, legs, and silhouettes of intertwined bodies…
How violent is The Notebook?
Violence is mild and infrequent. A brief World War II sequence shows explosions and a friend of the main character is shown dead on the battlefield without graphic detail. In a hospital for veterans, some men are seen with missing limbs. During arguments…
Is the language in The Notebook appropriate for kids?
Language is mild for a PG-13 film. There are a few uses of terms like "son of a bitch," "bastard," "damn," and "Goddamn." There is no use of the f-word.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Notebook?
Substance use is mild and reflects the 1940s time period. Adult characters are occasionally seen smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol (beer, wine) in social settings, such as at parties or with meals.
What mature themes appear in The Notebook?
Thematic content is strong and emotionally intense. The film's frame story is built around a character's battle with dementia (Alzheimer's), which is depicted realistically and includes a distressing scene of panic, confusion, and fear. The story also deals…
How long is The Notebook?
The Notebook runs 123 minutes, directed by Nick Cassavetes, released in 2004.
Where can I read the full The Notebook 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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