West Side Story (2021) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests West Side Story is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story is a musical drama that explores the tragic romance between Tony and Maria amidst the volatile racial conflict of 1950s New York City. The film earns its PG-13 rating primarily for…

West Side Story is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story is a musical drama that explores the tragic romance between Tony and Maria amidst the volatile racial conflict of 1950s New York City. The film earns its PG-13 rating primarily for instances of strong violence, including fatal stabbings and a harrowing attempted sexual assault…

Mild. There are several romantic kissing scenes, and characters are seen in suggestive clothing at a dance. A scene implies a sexual encounter between Tony and Maria, and there is a fleeting verbal reference to breastfeeding.

Strong. The film features frequent gang-related beatings and brawls using pipes, chains, and fists. Two central characters are killed in separate, bloody stabbings, and one scene depicts a character suffering a painful injury to the ear.

Moderate. Characters use various expletives, including 'shit,' 'bastard,' 'dick,' and multiple variations of 'goddamn.' Some profanity is delivered in Spanish, and there are brief uses of 'f-word' substitutes like 'motherloving.'

Mild. Characters are frequently seen smoking cigarettes, and there are both visual and verbal references to marijuana and other substances used by the gang members.

Strong. The film centers on intense racial prejudice, xenophobia, and the cycle of violence between rival gangs. It also depicts the trauma of death, the threat of sexual violence against women, and the hopelessness of a poverty-stricken environment.

West Side Story runs 156 minutes, directed by Steven Spielberg, released in 2021.

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