The Secret Life of Bees (2008) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Set in South Carolina in 1964, this is the tale of Lily Owens a 14 year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past.
Rated PG-13 • 2008 • 1h 54m
Set in 1964 South Carolina, "The Secret Life of Bees" earns its PG-13 rating for significant thematic material and several scenes of violence. The film's primary content concerns involve domestic abuse, racist violence, a character's suicide, and intense emotional grief, which are central to the story of 14-year-old Lily's escape from her abusive father, T. Ray. While sexual content and language are mild, the film unflinchingly depicts… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Secret Life of Bees appropriate for kids?
Set in 1964 South Carolina, "The Secret Life of Bees" earns its PG-13 rating for significant thematic material and several scenes of violence. The film's primary content concerns involve domestic abuse, racist violence, a character's suicide, and intense emotional grief, which… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Secret Life of Bees
What happens in The Secret Life of Bees, moment by moment
- 0:02 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:10 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
Sex and nudity in The Secret Life of Bees
This category is very mild. A teen romance develops between two characters, involving some flirting and a single kiss. In another scene misinterpreted by an abusive father, a teenage girl unbuttons her shirt in private to place a photo of her mother against her skin. There is also a brief, innocent joke about a phallic-shaped salad made from a banana and cherries.
Violence and gore in The Secret Life of Bees
Violence is moderate and impactful, directly tied to the film's themes of abuse and racism. A father is repeatedly physically and emotionally abusive to his daughter, including hitting her and forcing her to kneel on dry grits, leaving her knees bloody. A Black woman is brutally beaten by several racist men. A Black teenager is also punched and assaulted by a mob. While not graphically gory, these scenes are realistic and emotionally intense.
Language in The Secret Life of Bees
Language is mostly mild, with a few instances of terms like "hell" and "damn." However, the film is set in the 1960s South and features historically accurate but disturbing uses of racist slurs by white characters directed at Black characters during confrontations.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Secret Life of Bees
Substance use is minimal. An abusive father is frequently seen drinking beer. A secondary character is often shown chewing and spitting tobacco.
Mature themes in The Secret Life of Bees
The film is driven by heavy, mature themes. The central plot revolves around healing from trauma, including parental abuse and the accidental death of a parent. It deals directly with systemic racism, hatred, and racial violence of the Civil Rights era. The story also includes a significant subplot involving a character with severe depression and emotional fragility, which culminates in her suicide by drowning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Secret Life of Bees appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Secret Life of Bees is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Set in 1964 South Carolina, "The Secret Life of Bees" earns its PG-13 rating for significant thematic material and several scenes of violence. The film's primary content concerns involve domestic abuse, racist violence…
What age rating does The Secret Life of Bees have?
The Secret Life of Bees is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Secret Life of Bees about?
Set in 1964 South Carolina, "The Secret Life of Bees" earns its PG-13 rating for significant thematic material and several scenes of violence. The film's primary content concerns involve domestic abuse, racist violence, a character's suicide, and intense emotional grief, which are central to the story of 14-year-old…
Is there sex or nudity in The Secret Life of Bees?
This category is very mild. A teen romance develops between two characters, involving some flirting and a single kiss. In another scene misinterpreted by an abusive father, a teenage girl unbuttons her shirt in private to place a photo of her mother against…
How violent is The Secret Life of Bees?
Violence is moderate and impactful, directly tied to the film's themes of abuse and racism. A father is repeatedly physically and emotionally abusive to his daughter, including hitting her and forcing her to kneel on dry grits, leaving her knees bloody. A…
Is the language in The Secret Life of Bees appropriate for kids?
Language is mostly mild, with a few instances of terms like "hell" and "damn." However, the film is set in the 1960s South and features historically accurate but disturbing uses of racist slurs by white characters directed at Black characters during…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Secret Life of Bees?
Substance use is minimal. An abusive father is frequently seen drinking beer. A secondary character is often shown chewing and spitting tobacco.
What mature themes appear in The Secret Life of Bees?
The film is driven by heavy, mature themes. The central plot revolves around healing from trauma, including parental abuse and the accidental death of a parent. It deals directly with systemic racism, hatred, and racial violence of the Civil Rights era. The…
How long is The Secret Life of Bees?
The Secret Life of Bees runs 114 minutes, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, released in 2008.
Where can I read the full The Secret Life of Bees parent guide?
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