The Recruit (2003) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A brilliant CIA trainee must prove his worth at the Farm, the agency's secret training grounds, where he learns to watch his back and trust no one.
Rated PG-13 • 2003 • 1h 55m
The Recruit is a PG-13 spy thriller centered on James Clayton, a brilliant MIT graduate recruited into the CIA by the manipulative veteran Walter Burke. The film earned its rating for moderate spy-related violence, including shootouts and a character being shot dead, some sexual situations and innuendo, and some strong language that includes one use of the F-word. Its primary focus is on intense psychological tension, paranoia, and… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Recruit appropriate for kids?
The Recruit is a PG-13 spy thriller centered on James Clayton, a brilliant MIT graduate recruited into the CIA by the manipulative veteran Walter Burke. The film earned its rating for moderate spy-related violence, including shootouts and a character being shot dead, some sexual… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Recruit
What happens in The Recruit, moment by moment
- 0:07 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:35 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in The Recruit
Features some sexual content and innuendo, but no explicit nudity. The main characters begin a romantic relationship that includes scenes of kissing and one instance where sex is implied but not shown, fading to black after they begin to undress. In another scene, a character is briefly visible from the back in the shower, but no sensitive nudity is depicted.
Violence and gore in The Recruit
Violence is moderate and typical of a spy thriller. There are several scenes involving guns, including a shootout in a public place that results in a character being shot with some blood shown, and a finale where another character is shot and killed on-screen by a tactical team. An extended sequence involves a main character being abducted and subjected to intense psychological torture, which is later revealed to be a training exercise. Other scenes include a car chase that ends in a crash and characters being…
Read more — free accountLanguage in The Recruit
The film contains moderate profanity. There is at least one use of the F-word. Other language includes several uses of 's--t', 'pr--k', 'ass', 'hell', and 'damn'. There are also multiple religious exclamations used as profanity, such as 'G-damn', 'Jesus', and 'Christ'.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Recruit
Substance use is mild. Characters are shown drinking alcohol socially in bar and party settings. In one prominent scene, a character drinks heavily from a bottle of wine and beer mugs while alone in his apartment after suffering a professional setback.
Mature themes in The Recruit
Thematic content is strong and central to the plot. The film is built on pervasive themes of paranoia, psychological manipulation, and betrayal, as characters constantly question who they can trust. A central plot point involves a character being subjected to an intense and cruel mock interrogation to test his loyalty. The main character is also driven by the unresolved mystery of his father's death, a theme of parental loss that is manipulated by others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Recruit appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Recruit is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Recruit is a PG-13 spy thriller centered on James Clayton, a brilliant MIT graduate recruited into the CIA by the manipulative veteran Walter Burke. The film earned its rating for moderate spy-related violence…
What age rating does The Recruit have?
The Recruit is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Recruit about?
The Recruit is a PG-13 spy thriller centered on James Clayton, a brilliant MIT graduate recruited into the CIA by the manipulative veteran Walter Burke. The film earned its rating for moderate spy-related violence, including shootouts and a character being shot dead, some sexual situations and innuendo, and some…
Is there sex or nudity in The Recruit?
Features some sexual content and innuendo, but no explicit nudity. The main characters begin a romantic relationship that includes scenes of kissing and one instance where sex is implied but not shown, fading to black after they begin to undress. In another…
How violent is The Recruit?
Violence is moderate and typical of a spy thriller. There are several scenes involving guns, including a shootout in a public place that results in a character being shot with some blood shown, and a finale where another character is shot and killed on-screen…
Is the language in The Recruit appropriate for kids?
The film contains moderate profanity. There is at least one use of the F-word. Other language includes several uses of 's--t', 'pr--k', 'ass', 'hell', and 'damn'. There are also multiple religious exclamations used as profanity, such as 'G-damn', 'Jesus', and…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Recruit?
Substance use is mild. Characters are shown drinking alcohol socially in bar and party settings. In one prominent scene, a character drinks heavily from a bottle of wine and beer mugs while alone in his apartment after suffering a professional setback.
What mature themes appear in The Recruit?
Thematic content is strong and central to the plot. The film is built on pervasive themes of paranoia, psychological manipulation, and betrayal, as characters constantly question who they can trust. A central plot point involves a character being subjected to…
How long is The Recruit?
The Recruit runs 115 minutes, directed by Roger Donaldson, released in 2003.
Where can I read the full The Recruit parent guide?
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