The Remains of the Day (1993) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A rule-bound head butler's world of manners and decorum in the household he maintains is tested by the arrival of a housekeeper who falls in love with him in post-WWI Britain. The possibility of romance and his master's cultivation of ties with the Nazi cause challenge his carefully maintained veneer of servitude.
Rated PG • 1993 • 2h 14m
Primarily a slow-burn character study, "The Remains of the Day" earns its PG rating for its mature and challenging thematic content rather than for any overt violence, language, or sexuality. The film's emotional weight comes from its exploration of profound regret, repressed love, and the moral complexities of unquestioning loyalty, specifically butler Stevens's service to his employer, Lord Darlington, an English aristocrat who… Sign up for the full guide
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Is The Remains of the Day appropriate for kids?
Primarily a slow-burn character study, "The Remains of the Day" earns its PG rating for its mature and challenging thematic content rather than for any overt violence, language, or sexuality. The film's emotional weight comes from its exploration of profound regret, repressed… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Remains of the Day
What happens in The Remains of the Day, moment by moment
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:25 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:35 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Remains of the Day
Sexual content is very light and entirely subtextual. The central relationship between Stevens and Miss Kenton is one of repressed, unspoken romantic feelings. A scene involves Miss Kenton finding Stevens reading a romance novel, which leads to a tense but non-sexual conversation about privacy. All romantic elements are limited to longing looks, emotional conversations, and a marriage proposal between Miss Kenton and another man, which serves as a dramatic turning point.
Violence and gore in The Remains of the Day
None. No violence is depicted on screen. A character's death in World War II is mentioned in dialogue late in the film, but the event is not shown.
Language in The Remains of the Day
Language is very mild and infrequent, in keeping with the formal 1930s-1950s setting. Any exclamations are minor and would not be considered offensive by most viewers.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Remains of the Day
Characters occasionally drink wine at formal dinners or beer in a pub, which is portrayed as a normal social custom for the time period. There is no depiction of drunkenness, substance abuse, or smoking.
Mature themes in The Remains of the Day
The film's strongest content is thematic. It deals with profound, lifelong regret and emotional repression as the central character reflects on a life dedicated to service at the expense of personal happiness. It also directly addresses the rise of Nazism, fascism, and antisemitism in the 1930s. In one significant scene, Lord Darlington instructs Stevens to fire two Jewish refugee maids, an act of explicit antisemitism that the film presents as a major moral failing. Themes of class structure, misguided loyalty…
Read more — free accountFrequently Asked Questions
Is The Remains of the Day appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Remains of the Day is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG. Primarily a slow-burn character study, "The Remains of the Day" earns its PG rating for its mature and challenging thematic content rather than for any overt violence, language, or sexuality. The film's emotional weight…
What age rating does The Remains of the Day have?
The Remains of the Day is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Remains of the Day about?
Primarily a slow-burn character study, "The Remains of the Day" earns its PG rating for its mature and challenging thematic content rather than for any overt violence, language, or sexuality. The film's emotional weight comes from its exploration of profound regret, repressed love, and the moral complexities of…
Is there sex or nudity in The Remains of the Day?
Sexual content is very light and entirely subtextual. The central relationship between Stevens and Miss Kenton is one of repressed, unspoken romantic feelings. A scene involves Miss Kenton finding Stevens reading a romance novel, which leads to a tense but…
How violent is The Remains of the Day?
None. No violence is depicted on screen. A character's death in World War II is mentioned in dialogue late in the film, but the event is not shown.
Is the language in The Remains of the Day appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild and infrequent, in keeping with the formal 1930s-1950s setting. Any exclamations are minor and would not be considered offensive by most viewers.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Remains of the Day?
Characters occasionally drink wine at formal dinners or beer in a pub, which is portrayed as a normal social custom for the time period. There is no depiction of drunkenness, substance abuse, or smoking.
What mature themes appear in The Remains of the Day?
The film's strongest content is thematic. It deals with profound, lifelong regret and emotional repression as the central character reflects on a life dedicated to service at the expense of personal happiness. It also directly addresses the rise of Nazism…
How long is The Remains of the Day?
The Remains of the Day runs 134 minutes, directed by James Ivory, released in 1993.
Where can I read the full The Remains of the Day parent guide?
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