Tootsie (1982) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
When struggling, out of work actor Michael Dorsey secretly adopts a female alter ego—Dorothy Michaels—in order to land a part in a daytime drama, he unwittingly becomes a feminist icon and ends up in a romantic pickle.
Rated PG • 1982 • 1h 56m
An unemployable actor disguises himself as a woman to get a role on a soap opera and discovers what women deal with. Dustin Hoffman. One of the best comedies of the 1980s. The PG rating is appropriate — wittier and more feminist than its premise suggests.
Cast
Is Tootsie appropriate for kids?
An unemployable actor disguises himself as a woman to get a role on a soap opera and discovers what women deal with. Dustin Hoffman. One of the best comedies of the 1980s. The PG rating is appropriate — wittier and more feminist than its premise suggests. Read more — free account
Content severity in Tootsie
What happens in Tootsie, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:15 💬 Language 2/10
- 0:28 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
Sex and nudity in Tootsie
Michael/Dorothy's romantic complications — a man falling in love with his female alter-ego's best friend. Adult romantic content handled with restraint.
Violence and gore in Tootsie
There is no physical violence or gore throughout the movie. The drama is primarily derived from verbal arguments and social misunderstandings, and the absence of any threats or action makes it accessible for young viewers. The tone remains lighthearted, reflecting its status as a character-driven comedy.
Language in Tootsie
The film contains mild language that is consistent with its PG rating, including infrequent use of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'bitch.' These terms are usually heard during professional arguments or high-stress situations between characters. Despite the witty and sharp script, the profanity is relatively restrained by modern standards.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Tootsie
There is no significant depiction of drug use or alcohol abuse in the film. Adults are occasionally seen in social settings, such as parties or restaurants, where background consumption may occur, but it is never a focus of the plot. The overall environment remains grounded and suitable for a general audience.
Mature themes in Tootsie
The film's argument — that Michael became a better man by being a woman — is both earnest and sophisticated. Sexual harassment of the character Dorothy that Michael cannot respond to as he normally would. A comedy that takes its feminist arguments seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tootsie appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Tootsie is best for ages 12+. It's rated PG. An unemployable actor disguises himself as a woman to get a role on a soap opera and discovers what women deal with. Dustin Hoffman. One of the best comedies of the 1980s. The PG rating is appropriate — wittier and more…
What age rating does Tootsie have?
Tootsie is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.
What is Tootsie about?
An unemployable actor disguises himself as a woman to get a role on a soap opera and discovers what women deal with. Dustin Hoffman. One of the best comedies of the 1980s. The PG rating is appropriate — wittier and more feminist than its premise suggests.
Is there sex or nudity in Tootsie?
Michael/Dorothy's romantic complications — a man falling in love with his female alter-ego's best friend. Adult romantic content handled with restraint.
How violent is Tootsie?
There is no physical violence or gore throughout the movie. The drama is primarily derived from verbal arguments and social misunderstandings, and the absence of any threats or action makes it accessible for young viewers. The tone remains lighthearted…
Is the language in Tootsie appropriate for kids?
The film contains mild language that is consistent with its PG rating, including infrequent use of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'bitch.' These terms are usually heard during professional arguments or high-stress situations between characters. Despite the witty and…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Tootsie?
There is no significant depiction of drug use or alcohol abuse in the film. Adults are occasionally seen in social settings, such as parties or restaurants, where background consumption may occur, but it is never a focus of the plot. The overall environment…
What mature themes appear in Tootsie?
The film's argument — that Michael became a better man by being a woman — is both earnest and sophisticated. Sexual harassment of the character Dorothy that Michael cannot respond to as he normally would. A comedy that takes its feminist arguments seriously.
How long is Tootsie?
Tootsie runs 116 minutes, directed by Sydney Pollack, released in 1982.
Where can I read the full Tootsie parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
Parents also checked these movies for 12-year-olds
Sign up to filter
Movies like Tootsie with similar intensity
Sign up to filter
Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter
More comedy movies with parent guides
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- Sibyl parent guide
- An American Pickle parent guide
- Science Fiction Volume One: The Osiris Child parent guide
- Grand Piano parent guide
- Planet Hulk parent guide
- Ophelia parent guide
- Full Speed parent guide
- Ruby Red parent guide
- Barbie Presents: Thumbelina parent guide
- Mr. Church parent guide
- Them parent guide
- Day Watch parent guide
- Lifted parent guide
- The Night Before the Exams parent guide
- The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines parent guide
- The Black Dahlia parent guide