Poster for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
Director: Luc Besson
Released: 2017
Duration: 137 min
Rating: 6.6

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In the 28th century, Valerian and Laureline are special operatives charged with keeping order throughout the human territories. On assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two undertake a mission to Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis where species from across the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence, and cultures. At the center of Alpha is a mysterious dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the menace… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG-13 • 2017 • 2h 17m

Directed by Luc Besson

6.6

5K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

This visually spectacular sci-fi epic earns its PG-13 rating primarily for frequent, stylized action violence and some suggestive material. The plot follows agents Valerian and Laureline as they uncover a military cover-up related to the genocide of an alien race on the planet Mül. Parents should be aware of numerous intense chase sequences and firefights with laser guns, though death and injury are largely bloodless. A notable scene… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Dane DeHaan

Cara Delevingne

Clive Owen

Rihanna

Ethan Hawke

Herbie Hancock

Kris Wu

Rutger Hauer

John Goodman

Elizabeth Debicki

Sam Spruell

Ola Rapace

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Is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Sex Strong 5/10

Violence Strong 6/10

Language Moderate 3/10

Substances None 0/10

Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, moment by moment

0:03 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
0:08 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
0:25 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10

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Sex and nudity in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Suggestive material is present in a few scenes. The film opens with the main characters in beachwear. A key sequence involves a shape-shifting entertainer named Bubble (played by Rihanna) performing a cabaret-style dance with several revealing costume changes. The romantic subplot between Valerian and Laureline includes flirtatious dialogue, innuendo, and some kissing.

Violence and gore in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Contains frequent sci-fi action and violence, but it is largely stylized and free of graphic gore. There are multiple large-scale shootouts and chase sequences with laser guns, robots, and alien creatures. A planet is shown being destroyed, killing most of its inhabitants. Several alien characters are shot, killed, or dismembered, but these moments show colored goo instead of blood. A main character is kidnapped and threatened, and another is punched in the face.

Language in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Language is infrequent and mild. The IMDb parents guide notes sparse use of words like "shit" and "prick," along with lesser profanity such as "ass" and "hell." The usage is not pervasive and is typical for a PG-13 action film.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

This category is not a concern. Characters are briefly seen with unspecified drinks in a club setting, but there is no depiction of drunkenness, drug use, or smoking.

Mature themes in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

The central themes are mature and may be upsetting for younger viewers. The plot is driven by the genocide of an entire planet's population as collateral damage in a war, followed by a high-level military cover-up. Themes of war crimes, displacement, and the sacrifice of an innocent character for the greater good are prominent throughout the story.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This visually spectacular sci-fi epic earns its PG-13 rating primarily for frequent, stylized action violence and some suggestive material. The plot follows agents Valerian and Laureline as they uncover a military…

What age rating does Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets have?

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets about?

Is there sex or nudity in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

How violent is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

Is the language in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

This category is not a concern. Characters are briefly seen with unspecified drinks in a club setting, but there is no depiction of drunkenness, drug use, or smoking.

What mature themes appear in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

How long is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets?

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets runs 137 minutes, directed by Luc Besson, released in 2017.

Where can I read the full Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets parent guide?

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