The Words (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The Words follows young writer Rory Jansen who finally achieves long sought after literary success after publishing the next great American novel. There's only one catch - he didn't write it. As the past comes back to haunt him and his literary star continues to rise, Jansen is forced to confront the steep price that must be paid for stealing another man's work, and for placing ambition and success above life's most fundamental three words.
Rated PG-13 • 2012 • 1h 42m
The Words is a multi-layered romantic drama about the moral consequences of plagiarism. Its PG-13 rating is primarily due to mature thematic material and some brief strong language. The film follows aspiring writer Rory Jansen, who achieves fame by publishing a lost manuscript as his own, only to be confronted by the story's true author. Parents should be aware that the film includes a single F-word, several scenes of social drinking… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Words appropriate for kids?
The Words is a multi-layered romantic drama about the moral consequences of plagiarism. Its PG-13 rating is primarily due to mature thematic material and some brief strong language. The film follows aspiring writer Rory Jansen, who achieves fame by publishing a lost manuscript… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Words
What happens in The Words, moment by moment
- 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:22 🍷 Substances 3/10
- 0:31 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Sex and nudity in The Words
Content is limited to implication and romance. Several scenes feature passionate kissing between couples, and a married pair is shown in bed together talking (implied post-sex) with no nudity. In one scene, a flirtatious woman attempts to seduce a man. There is no nudity, and sexual content is not explicit.
Violence and gore in The Words
Violence is nearly absent. There is a single, brief, and non-graphic scene during a flashback where a body covered by a sheet is carried from a building; a charred arm is momentarily visible. The film's conflict is psychological and emotional, not physical.
Language in The Words
The PG-13 theatrical cut of the film contains one use of the F-word. Other language includes several uses of "s**t" and milder profanities like "hell," "damn," and misuses of God's name. The language is infrequent but includes one strong instance.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Words
Characters, particularly adults at literary parties and social gatherings, are frequently shown drinking wine and cocktails. In a couple of scenes, a character drinks heavily to the point of intoxication. Several characters, most notably the 'Old Man,' smoke cigarettes throughout the film.
Mature themes in The Words
The film is built around mature themes of plagiarism, intellectual dishonesty, ambition, and the corrosive nature of guilt. A central subplot involves profound grief and loss, as a character recounts the tragic death of his infant daughter and the subsequent collapse of his marriage. The story explores the long-term consequences of a single immoral choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Words appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Words is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Words is a multi-layered romantic drama about the moral consequences of plagiarism. Its PG-13 rating is primarily due to mature thematic material and some brief strong language. The film follows aspiring writer Rory…
What age rating does The Words have?
The Words is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Words about?
The Words is a multi-layered romantic drama about the moral consequences of plagiarism. Its PG-13 rating is primarily due to mature thematic material and some brief strong language. The film follows aspiring writer Rory Jansen, who achieves fame by publishing a lost manuscript as his own, only to be confronted by the…
Is there sex or nudity in The Words?
Content is limited to implication and romance. Several scenes feature passionate kissing between couples, and a married pair is shown in bed together talking (implied post-sex) with no nudity. In one scene, a flirtatious woman attempts to seduce a man. There…
How violent is The Words?
Violence is nearly absent. There is a single, brief, and non-graphic scene during a flashback where a body covered by a sheet is carried from a building; a charred arm is momentarily visible. The film's conflict is psychological and emotional, not physical.
Is the language in The Words appropriate for kids?
The PG-13 theatrical cut of the film contains one use of the F-word. Other language includes several uses of "s**t" and milder profanities like "hell," "damn," and misuses of God's name. The language is infrequent but includes one strong instance.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Words?
Characters, particularly adults at literary parties and social gatherings, are frequently shown drinking wine and cocktails. In a couple of scenes, a character drinks heavily to the point of intoxication. Several characters, most notably the 'Old Man,' smoke…
What mature themes appear in The Words?
The film is built around mature themes of plagiarism, intellectual dishonesty, ambition, and the corrosive nature of guilt. A central subplot involves profound grief and loss, as a character recounts the tragic death of his infant daughter and the subsequent…
How long is The Words?
The Words runs 102 minutes, directed by Brian Klugman, Lee Sternthal, released in 2012.
Where can I read the full The Words parent guide?
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