The Rainmaker (1997) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Fresh out of law school and desperate for work, idealistic rookie Rudy Baylor takes on a powerful insurance company accused of denying a dying boy’s claim. Teaming up with a scrappy, unlicensed paralegal, he finds himself in a David-versus-Goliath courtroom battle that tests his ethics, courage, and belief in justice.
Rated PG-13 • 1997 • 2h 15m
This PG-13 legal drama, an adaptation of the John Grisham novel, centers on rookie lawyer Rudy Baylor's David-vs-Goliath battle against a corrupt insurance company. The film's rating is primarily for a brutal and bloody fight scene stemming from a domestic abuse subplot, which includes a character being beaten to death with a baseball bat. Thematic material is also strong, dealing with terminal illness, the on-screen depiction of a… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Rainmaker appropriate for kids?
This PG-13 legal drama, an adaptation of the John Grisham novel, centers on rookie lawyer Rudy Baylor's David-vs-Goliath battle against a corrupt insurance company. The film's rating is primarily for a brutal and bloody fight scene stemming from a domestic abuse subplot, which… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Rainmaker
What happens in The Rainmaker, moment by moment
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:18 🍷 Substances 1/10
- 0:20 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Rainmaker
Sexual content is mild. A married woman and a man share a few kisses. One character briefly appears in his boxer shorts. During a court testimony, a witness alludes to having to sleep with superiors to advance her career. These moments are brief and not visually detailed.
Violence and gore in The Rainmaker
Violence is infrequent but has one strong, brutal scene that is central to the PG-13 rating. A man is shown being beaten, punched, and ultimately killed with a baseball bat; blood is shown splattering on a wall. Other scenes depict the aftermath of domestic abuse, with a female character shown bruised and bandaged. A character's narration mentions his father being abusive.
Language in The Rainmaker
Language is moderate and includes multiple uses of "hell," "damn," "goddamn," "son of a bitch," and "piss." The word "asshole" is used once. There are no uses of the f-word. Most of the profanity is used in moments of frustration or anger.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Rainmaker
Substance use is present but not a focus. Several characters, particularly the mother of the dying boy, are shown smoking cigarettes frequently. Social drinking of beer, wine, and whiskey occurs in bars and homes. A character mentions his father was an alcoholic, and another says she is in treatment for alcoholism.
Mature themes in The Rainmaker
Mature themes are prominent throughout. The central plot revolves around a young man dying of leukemia, and a video deposition he gives while visibly ill is emotionally wrenching. His death occurs off-screen but is a pivotal, sad moment. The film also heavily features themes of domestic violence, corporate corruption, and the justice system's failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Rainmaker appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Rainmaker is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This PG-13 legal drama, an adaptation of the John Grisham novel, centers on rookie lawyer Rudy Baylor's David-vs-Goliath battle against a corrupt insurance company. The film's rating is primarily for a brutal and bloody…
What age rating does The Rainmaker have?
The Rainmaker is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Rainmaker about?
This PG-13 legal drama, an adaptation of the John Grisham novel, centers on rookie lawyer Rudy Baylor's David-vs-Goliath battle against a corrupt insurance company. The film's rating is primarily for a brutal and bloody fight scene stemming from a domestic abuse subplot, which includes a character being beaten to…
Is there sex or nudity in The Rainmaker?
Sexual content is mild. A married woman and a man share a few kisses. One character briefly appears in his boxer shorts. During a court testimony, a witness alludes to having to sleep with superiors to advance her career. These moments are brief and not…
How violent is The Rainmaker?
Violence is infrequent but has one strong, brutal scene that is central to the PG-13 rating. A man is shown being beaten, punched, and ultimately killed with a baseball bat; blood is shown splattering on a wall. Other scenes depict the aftermath of domestic…
Is the language in The Rainmaker appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate and includes multiple uses of "hell," "damn," "goddamn," "son of a bitch," and "piss." The word "asshole" is used once. There are no uses of the f-word. Most of the profanity is used in moments of frustration or anger.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Rainmaker?
Substance use is present but not a focus. Several characters, particularly the mother of the dying boy, are shown smoking cigarettes frequently. Social drinking of beer, wine, and whiskey occurs in bars and homes. A character mentions his father was an…
What mature themes appear in The Rainmaker?
Mature themes are prominent throughout. The central plot revolves around a young man dying of leukemia, and a video deposition he gives while visibly ill is emotionally wrenching. His death occurs off-screen but is a pivotal, sad moment. The film also heavily…
How long is The Rainmaker?
The Rainmaker runs 135 minutes, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, released in 1997.
Where can I read the full The Rainmaker parent guide?
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