The Sting (1973) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A novice con man teams up with an acknowledged master to avenge the murder of a mutual friend by pulling off the ultimate big con and swindling a fortune from a big-time mobster.
Rated PG • 1973 • 2h 9m
Two small-time grifters team up with a veteran con artist to seek revenge on a ruthless crime boss in 1930s Chicago. The film is rated PG and suitable for ages 12 and up due to several stylized shootouts, brief depictions of blood, and moderate period language. While it features criminal activity and social drinking, the content remains mild and focuses primarily on the intricate mechanics of the con.
Cast
Is The Sting appropriate for kids?
Two small-time grifters team up with a veteran con artist to seek revenge on a ruthless crime boss in 1930s Chicago. The film is rated PG and suitable for ages 12 and up due to several stylized shootouts, brief depictions of blood, and moderate period language. While it features… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Sting
What happens in The Sting, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:18 💬 Language 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Sting
There is no actual sexual content or nudity depicted in the film. The story focuses entirely on the professional world of Depression-era grifters and their elaborate sting operations. Any romantic subplots are kept strictly to the background and remain chaste.
Violence and gore in The Sting
The film opens with a man being murdered in an alley, and there are several stylized shootouts throughout the narrative. Some scenes include brief depictions of blood, such as a character being shot in the hand and a climactic sequence involving staged gunfire. While frequent, the violence is consistent with the PG rating and lacks graphic detail or prolonged suffering.
Language in The Sting
The dialogue contains moderate period-appropriate language, including several uses of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'bastard.' Occasional mild slurs and rough street slang from the 1930s are used to establish the criminal underworld setting. Overall, the profanity is relatively infrequent and never reaches the level of strong vulgarity found in modern crime dramas.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Sting
Alcohol consumption and smoking are used extensively as period texture to recreate the atmosphere of 1930s Chicago. Characters are frequently seen drinking in bars, clubs, and private rooms, and a few scenes depict moderate intoxication. Smoking is ubiquitous among nearly all adult characters, though it is never glamorized or central to the plot beyond historical accuracy.
Mature themes in The Sting
The film is a masterclass in misdirection — both the con and the film itself are pulling the same trick on their respective marks. The pleasure of watching geniuses at work. Scott Joplin's ragtime score is among cinema's most effective period choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Sting appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Sting is best for ages 12+. It's rated PG. Two small-time grifters team up with a veteran con artist to seek revenge on a ruthless crime boss in 1930s Chicago. The film is rated PG and suitable for ages 12 and up due to several stylized shootouts, brief…
What age rating does The Sting have?
The Sting is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.
What is The Sting about?
Two small-time grifters team up with a veteran con artist to seek revenge on a ruthless crime boss in 1930s Chicago. The film is rated PG and suitable for ages 12 and up due to several stylized shootouts, brief depictions of blood, and moderate period language. While it features criminal activity and social drinking…
Is there sex or nudity in The Sting?
There is no actual sexual content or nudity depicted in the film. The story focuses entirely on the professional world of Depression-era grifters and their elaborate sting operations. Any romantic subplots are kept strictly to the background and remain chaste.
How violent is The Sting?
The film opens with a man being murdered in an alley, and there are several stylized shootouts throughout the narrative. Some scenes include brief depictions of blood, such as a character being shot in the hand and a climactic sequence involving staged…
Is the language in The Sting appropriate for kids?
The dialogue contains moderate period-appropriate language, including several uses of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'bastard.' Occasional mild slurs and rough street slang from the 1930s are used to establish the criminal underworld setting. Overall, the profanity is…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Sting?
Alcohol consumption and smoking are used extensively as period texture to recreate the atmosphere of 1930s Chicago. Characters are frequently seen drinking in bars, clubs, and private rooms, and a few scenes depict moderate intoxication. Smoking is ubiquitous…
What mature themes appear in The Sting?
The film is a masterclass in misdirection — both the con and the film itself are pulling the same trick on their respective marks. The pleasure of watching geniuses at work. Scott Joplin's ragtime score is among cinema's most effective period choices.
How long is The Sting?
The Sting runs 129 minutes, directed by George Roy Hill, released in 1973.
Where can I read the full The Sting parent guide?
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