The Paper (1994) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Henry Hackett is the workaholic editor of a New York City tabloid. He loves his job, but the long hours and low pay are leading to discontent. Also, publisher Bernie White faces financial straits, and has hatchet-man Alicia Clark—Henry's nemesis—impose unpopular cutbacks.
Rated R • 1994 • 1h 52m
A day in the life of a New York tabloid as editors race to break a story about two wrongly accused teenagers. Michael Keaton, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Marisa Tomei. The R rating covers language and the film's high-energy newsroom culture.
Cast
Is The Paper appropriate for kids?
A day in the life of a New York tabloid as editors race to break a story about two wrongly accused teenagers. Michael Keaton, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Marisa Tomei. The R rating covers language and the film's high-energy newsroom culture. Read more — free account
Content severity in The Paper
What happens in The Paper, moment by moment
- 0:05 💬 Language 5/10
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:38 💬 Language 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Paper
There are no depictions of sexual acts or nudity in the film. The focus remains entirely on the professional pressures of the journalism industry, with personal relationships discussed only through dialogue and brief domestic interactions.
Violence and gore in The Paper
Physical violence is notably absent throughout the majority of the story. While the plot involves a murder investigation, the film avoids showing the crime or any gore, though a brief, frantic physical scuffle occurs between two editors in a newsroom late in the film.
Language in The Paper
The film features constant and aggressive profanity, primarily used as the standard operating register for the frenetic newsroom environment. Strong language, including frequent use of the F-word and various anatomical slurs, is peppered throughout the dialogue to emphasize the high-stress nature of the characters' deadlines.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Paper
The movie does not depict illicit drug use or significant substance abuse. While characters are shown in environments where social drinking might occur, there are no scenes centered on intoxication or the use of illegal substances.
Mature themes in The Paper
A film about the ethics of journalism — stopping the presses to get the story right, even when wrong is faster. The personal costs of the newspaper life. Glenn Close's managing editor is one of 90s cinema's great underrated villains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Paper appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Paper is best for ages 15+. It's rated R. A day in the life of a New York tabloid as editors race to break a story about two wrongly accused teenagers. Michael Keaton, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Marisa Tomei. The R rating covers language and the film's…
What age rating does The Paper have?
The Paper is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 15+.
What is The Paper about?
A day in the life of a New York tabloid as editors race to break a story about two wrongly accused teenagers. Michael Keaton, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Marisa Tomei. The R rating covers language and the film's high-energy newsroom culture.
Is there sex or nudity in The Paper?
There are no depictions of sexual acts or nudity in the film. The focus remains entirely on the professional pressures of the journalism industry, with personal relationships discussed only through dialogue and brief domestic interactions.
How violent is The Paper?
Physical violence is notably absent throughout the majority of the story. While the plot involves a murder investigation, the film avoids showing the crime or any gore, though a brief, frantic physical scuffle occurs between two editors in a newsroom late in…
Is the language in The Paper appropriate for kids?
The film features constant and aggressive profanity, primarily used as the standard operating register for the frenetic newsroom environment. Strong language, including frequent use of the F-word and various anatomical slurs, is peppered throughout the…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Paper?
The movie does not depict illicit drug use or significant substance abuse. While characters are shown in environments where social drinking might occur, there are no scenes centered on intoxication or the use of illegal substances.
What mature themes appear in The Paper?
A film about the ethics of journalism — stopping the presses to get the story right, even when wrong is faster. The personal costs of the newspaper life. Glenn Close's managing editor is one of 90s cinema's great underrated villains.
How long is The Paper?
The Paper runs 112 minutes, directed by Ron Howard, released in 1994.
Where can I read the full The Paper parent guide?
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