The Rules of Attraction (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The incredibly spoiled and overprivileged students of Camden College are a backdrop for an unusual love triangle between a drug dealer, a virgin and a bisexual classmate.
Rated R • 2002 • 1h 50m
The Rules of Attraction is rated R for explicit sexual content (including a sexual assault scene and student–teacher sexual activity), frequent strong profanity, drug use, and depictions of suicide and self-harm. The film follows Lauren, Sean and Paul at Camden College and contains explicit sexual scenes (masturbation, oral sex, group sex) alongside a non-graphic but disturbing rape that is central to Lauren’s storyline. There are also… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Rules of Attraction appropriate for kids?
The Rules of Attraction is rated R for explicit sexual content (including a sexual assault scene and student–teacher sexual activity), frequent strong profanity, drug use, and depictions of suicide and self-harm. The film follows Lauren, Sean and Paul at Camden College and… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Rules of Attraction
What happens in The Rules of Attraction, moment by moment
- 0:12 ♥ Sex & Nudity 8/10
- 0:15 💬 Language 7/10
- 0:22 ♥ Sex & Nudity 7/10
Sex and nudity in The Rules of Attraction
Strong and explicit sexual content throughout: on-screen masturbation, group sex, a student–teacher sexual encounter, and an on-screen sexual assault where Lauren is raped while unconscious and filmed. Several scenes depict characters engaging in casual hookups and oral sex with frank visual and verbal reference. Sexuality and bisexuality are depicted openly and sometimes graphically in dialogue and behavior.
Violence and gore in The Rules of Attraction
Physical violence is present but not graphically gory: Paul is attacked and bruised after a sexual advance, and Sean is later beaten severely by a drug dealer and his partner. These assaults are depicted as intense and consequential to the characters. There are no prolonged gore effects, but the violence is emotionally and physically upsetting.
Language in The Rules of Attraction
Very frequent strong profanity throughout, including multiple uses of the F-word and derogatory slurs directed at characters. Crude sexual language and insults are commonplace in dialogue and internal monologues. Expect coarse, adult dialogue in most scenes.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Rules of Attraction
Frequent alcohol abuse, binge drinking and recreational drug use (notably psychedelic mushrooms) figure prominently; characters buy, sell and steal drugs. Sean consumes a bottle of Jack Daniel’s, takes mushrooms at a party and steals narcotics from a dealer. Drug-dealing and intoxication are key plot drivers and are shown on-screen.
Mature themes in The Rules of Attraction
Strong mature themes: suicide and self-harm (an on-screen wrist-slashing and other attempts), sexual assault, grief, identity and alienation among college students. The film treats bisexuality and sexual confusion candidly, often through bleak or nihilistic narration. Themes are emotionally heavy and may be triggering for viewers sensitive to self-harm or sexual violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Rules of Attraction appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Rules of Attraction is best for ages 13+. It's rated R. The Rules of Attraction is rated R for explicit sexual content (including a sexual assault scene and student–teacher sexual activity), frequent strong profanity, drug use, and depictions of suicide and self-harm. The…
What age rating does The Rules of Attraction have?
The Rules of Attraction is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Rules of Attraction about?
The Rules of Attraction is rated R for explicit sexual content (including a sexual assault scene and student–teacher sexual activity), frequent strong profanity, drug use, and depictions of suicide and self-harm. The film follows Lauren, Sean and Paul at Camden College and contains explicit sexual scenes…
Is there sex or nudity in The Rules of Attraction?
Strong and explicit sexual content throughout: on-screen masturbation, group sex, a student–teacher sexual encounter, and an on-screen sexual assault where Lauren is raped while unconscious and filmed. Several scenes depict characters engaging in casual…
How violent is The Rules of Attraction?
Physical violence is present but not graphically gory: Paul is attacked and bruised after a sexual advance, and Sean is later beaten severely by a drug dealer and his partner. These assaults are depicted as intense and consequential to the characters. There…
Is the language in The Rules of Attraction appropriate for kids?
Very frequent strong profanity throughout, including multiple uses of the F-word and derogatory slurs directed at characters. Crude sexual language and insults are commonplace in dialogue and internal monologues. Expect coarse, adult dialogue in most scenes.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Rules of Attraction?
Frequent alcohol abuse, binge drinking and recreational drug use (notably psychedelic mushrooms) figure prominently; characters buy, sell and steal drugs. Sean consumes a bottle of Jack Daniel’s, takes mushrooms at a party and steals narcotics from a dealer…
What mature themes appear in The Rules of Attraction?
Strong mature themes: suicide and self-harm (an on-screen wrist-slashing and other attempts), sexual assault, grief, identity and alienation among college students. The film treats bisexuality and sexual confusion candidly, often through bleak or nihilistic…
How long is The Rules of Attraction?
The Rules of Attraction runs 110 minutes, directed by Roger Avary, released in 2002.
Where can I read the full The Rules of Attraction parent guide?
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