U-571 (2000) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In the midst of World War II, the battle under the sea rages and the Nazis have the upper hand as the Allies are unable to crack their war codes. However, after a wrecked U-boat sends out an SOS signal, the Allies realise this is their chance to seize the 'enigma coding machine'.
Rated PG-13 • 2000 • 1h 56m
Rated PG-13 for its pervasive war violence, U-571 is an intense and claustrophobic WWII submarine thriller. The film is dominated by loud, tense, and sustained combat sequences including torpedo attacks, depth charges, gunfire, and explosions that result in many on-screen deaths, though without graphic gore. Parents should be aware of frequent profanity, including multiple uses of "s--t" and "Goddamn." The constant high-stakes peril… Sign up for the full guide
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Is U-571 appropriate for kids?
Rated PG-13 for its pervasive war violence, U-571 is an intense and claustrophobic WWII submarine thriller. The film is dominated by loud, tense, and sustained combat sequences including torpedo attacks, depth charges, gunfire, and explosions that result in many on-screen… Read more — free account
Content severity in U-571
What happens in U-571, moment by moment
- 0:08 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:25 💬 Language 4/10
Sex and nudity in U-571
This category is very light. There is no nudity or sexual activity. One character makes a crude anatomical comparison involving a "sister's titty" while discussing engine mechanics. There is also a brief mention of pornography in dialogue.
Violence and gore in U-571
Strong and sustained war violence is depicted throughout. Multiple scenes show submarine combat with torpedoes and depth charges, causing massive explosions and throwing men from decks. A tense boarding sequence involves firefights with numerous characters being shot, though with little blood shown. Specific events include men burning in a fire (with brief sight of charred bodies), a character being shot multiple times, another being bludgeoned to death, and a heroic character's prolonged on-screen death by…
Read more — free accountLanguage in U-571
Moderate profanity is used frequently. The dialogue includes at least a dozen uses of "s--t" and "Goddamn," as well as multiple instances of "hell," "damn," "ass," and "S.O.B." Other terms include "bastard" and a single crude use of "tit." Religious exclamations like "Jesus" and "For Christ's sakes" are also present. The F-word is not used.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in U-571
Substance use is light and limited to period-appropriate behavior. An early scene at a wedding party shows officers and their families drinking beer and wine. Some characters also smoke cigarettes and cigars socially in a few scenes.
Mature themes in U-571
The film's themes are intense, focusing on the brutality of war, sacrifice, and the pressures of leadership. The claustrophobic submarine setting creates a constant sense of peril and entrapment. The deaths of several crew members are central to the plot, including scenes of heroic self-sacrifice that are emotionally weighty. Characters are frequently in near-death situations, and the film depicts the psychological toll of combat and losing comrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is U-571 appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests U-571 is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Rated PG-13 for its pervasive war violence, U-571 is an intense and claustrophobic WWII submarine thriller. The film is dominated by loud, tense, and sustained combat sequences including torpedo attacks, depth charges…
What age rating does U-571 have?
U-571 is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is U-571 about?
Rated PG-13 for its pervasive war violence, U-571 is an intense and claustrophobic WWII submarine thriller. The film is dominated by loud, tense, and sustained combat sequences including torpedo attacks, depth charges, gunfire, and explosions that result in many on-screen deaths, though without graphic gore. Parents…
Is there sex or nudity in U-571?
This category is very light. There is no nudity or sexual activity. One character makes a crude anatomical comparison involving a "sister's titty" while discussing engine mechanics. There is also a brief mention of pornography in dialogue.
How violent is U-571?
Strong and sustained war violence is depicted throughout. Multiple scenes show submarine combat with torpedoes and depth charges, causing massive explosions and throwing men from decks. A tense boarding sequence involves firefights with numerous characters…
Is the language in U-571 appropriate for kids?
Moderate profanity is used frequently. The dialogue includes at least a dozen uses of "s--t" and "Goddamn," as well as multiple instances of "hell," "damn," "ass," and "S.O.B." Other terms include "bastard" and a single crude use of "tit." Religious…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in U-571?
Substance use is light and limited to period-appropriate behavior. An early scene at a wedding party shows officers and their families drinking beer and wine. Some characters also smoke cigarettes and cigars socially in a few scenes.
What mature themes appear in U-571?
The film's themes are intense, focusing on the brutality of war, sacrifice, and the pressures of leadership. The claustrophobic submarine setting creates a constant sense of peril and entrapment. The deaths of several crew members are central to the plot…
How long is U-571?
U-571 runs 116 minutes, directed by Jonathan Mostow, released in 2000.
Where can I read the full U-571 parent guide?
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