True Grit (1969) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The murder of her father sends a teenage tomboy on a mission of 'justice', which involves avenging her father's death. She recruits a tough old marshal, 'Rooster' Cogburn because he has 'true grit', and a reputation of getting the job done.
Rated NR • 1969 • 2h 8m
A determined 14-year-old girl hires a drunken US Marshal to hunt down her father's killer. John Wayne won his only Academy Award. Unrated but PG-equivalent.
Cast
Is True Grit appropriate for kids?
A determined 14-year-old girl hires a drunken US Marshal to hunt down her father's killer. John Wayne won his only Academy Award. Unrated but PG-equivalent. Read more — free account
Content severity in True Grit
What happens in True Grit, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:12 🍷 Substances 4/10
- 0:22 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
Sex and nudity in True Grit
There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in this classic Western. The story maintains a focus on the quest for justice and the professional relationship between the characters, adhering to the standards of its time. Occasional mild flirtation or traditional gender roles are present but remain entirely chaste.
Violence and gore in True Grit
Western action — shootouts, a snake bite, fingers severed. Violence within the classic Western register.
Language in True Grit
Dialogue is largely free of modern profanity, with the exception of occasional mild period-typical expletives. Characters may use terms like 'damn' or 'hell' in moments of stress or to emphasize their rugged nature. Overall, the vocabulary is suitable for a general audience and consistent with a PG rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in True Grit
Rooster Cogburn is frequently depicted as a heavy drinker, often seen with a bottle of whiskey or appearing intoxicated throughout the journey. This dependency is portrayed as a significant character flaw and a source of humor rather than something to be emulated. Additionally, several characters are shown smoking pipes or hand-rolled cigarettes common to the 1880s setting.
Mature themes in True Grit
A girl's determination to see justice done — Mattie Ross is one of Western cinema's great characters. The partnership between a capable girl and a capable-but-dissolute man.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is True Grit appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests True Grit is best for ages 12+. It's rated NR. A determined 14-year-old girl hires a drunken US Marshal to hunt down her father's killer. John Wayne won his only Academy Award. Unrated but PG-equivalent.
What age rating does True Grit have?
True Grit is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.
What is True Grit about?
A determined 14-year-old girl hires a drunken US Marshal to hunt down her father's killer. John Wayne won his only Academy Award. Unrated but PG-equivalent.
Is there sex or nudity in True Grit?
There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in this classic Western. The story maintains a focus on the quest for justice and the professional relationship between the characters, adhering to the standards of its time. Occasional mild flirtation or…
How violent is True Grit?
Western action — shootouts, a snake bite, fingers severed. Violence within the classic Western register.
Is the language in True Grit appropriate for kids?
Dialogue is largely free of modern profanity, with the exception of occasional mild period-typical expletives. Characters may use terms like 'damn' or 'hell' in moments of stress or to emphasize their rugged nature. Overall, the vocabulary is suitable for a…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in True Grit?
Rooster Cogburn is frequently depicted as a heavy drinker, often seen with a bottle of whiskey or appearing intoxicated throughout the journey. This dependency is portrayed as a significant character flaw and a source of humor rather than something to be…
What mature themes appear in True Grit?
A girl's determination to see justice done — Mattie Ross is one of Western cinema's great characters. The partnership between a capable girl and a capable-but-dissolute man.
How long is True Grit?
True Grit runs 128 minutes, directed by Henry Hathaway, released in 1969.
Where can I read the full True Grit 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.
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