When We Were Kings (1996) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
It's 1974. Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a willing backer in Mobutu Sese Suko, the dictator of Zaire, and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set, including a musical festival featuring some of America's top black performers, like James… Sign up for the full guide
Rated PG • 1996 • 1h 29m
When We Were Kings is a PG-rated documentary about the iconic 1974 'Rumble in the Jungle' heavyweight boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire. The film earns its rating primarily for moderate boxing violence and a brief moment of non-sexualized nudity. The central fight sequence shows the athletes exchanging many powerful punches, culminating in a knockout. Additionally, there is a brief scene where a female… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is When We Were Kings appropriate for kids?
When We Were Kings is a PG-rated documentary about the iconic 1974 'Rumble in the Jungle' heavyweight boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire. The film earns its rating primarily for moderate boxing violence and a brief moment of non-sexualized nudity. The… Read more — free account
Content severity in When We Were Kings
What happens in When We Were Kings, moment by moment
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:17 💬 Language 3/10
- 0:26 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Sex and nudity in When We Were Kings
Brief topless female nudity is seen during a musical performance sequence. An African woman on stage removes her top as part of a cultural dance, briefly revealing her breasts. The moment is fleeting and presented in a non-sexualized, cultural context.
Violence and gore in When We Were Kings
Violence is moderate and restricted to the boxing ring. The final act of the documentary presents extended archival footage of the championship fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. This includes many scenes of the boxers landing powerful punches to the head and body, Ali absorbing blows on the ropes, and the eventual knockout of Foreman. No blood or graphic injury is shown.
Language in When We Were Kings
Language is infrequent and mild. Muhammad Ali engages in his signature trash-talking and poetic taunts against his opponent, which includes insults but is generally not profane. There is some occasional use of mild language like "hell" and "damn" in interviews and archival footage.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in When We Were Kings
Substance use is mild and reflects the era. Characters are occasionally seen smoking cigarettes or cigars and drinking alcoholic beverages in social situations, such as during press conferences, interviews, or at parties. This is all background content and not a focus.
Mature themes in When We Were Kings
The film explores significant mature themes, including the Black Power movement, racism, and African-American identity in the 1970s. Muhammad Ali's political activism and controversial public image are central to the narrative. The film also touches on the complexities of staging a major cultural event in Zaire under the rule of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, and explores themes of perseverance and psychological strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is When We Were Kings appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests When We Were Kings is best for ages 12+. It's rated PG. When We Were Kings is a PG-rated documentary about the iconic 1974 'Rumble in the Jungle' heavyweight boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire. The film earns its rating primarily for moderate…
What age rating does When We Were Kings have?
When We Were Kings is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.
What is When We Were Kings about?
When We Were Kings is a PG-rated documentary about the iconic 1974 'Rumble in the Jungle' heavyweight boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire. The film earns its rating primarily for moderate boxing violence and a brief moment of non-sexualized nudity. The central fight sequence shows the…
Is there sex or nudity in When We Were Kings?
Brief topless female nudity is seen during a musical performance sequence. An African woman on stage removes her top as part of a cultural dance, briefly revealing her breasts. The moment is fleeting and presented in a non-sexualized, cultural context.
How violent is When We Were Kings?
Violence is moderate and restricted to the boxing ring. The final act of the documentary presents extended archival footage of the championship fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. This includes many scenes of the boxers landing powerful punches to…
Is the language in When We Were Kings appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and mild. Muhammad Ali engages in his signature trash-talking and poetic taunts against his opponent, which includes insults but is generally not profane. There is some occasional use of mild language like "hell" and "damn" in…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in When We Were Kings?
Substance use is mild and reflects the era. Characters are occasionally seen smoking cigarettes or cigars and drinking alcoholic beverages in social situations, such as during press conferences, interviews, or at parties. This is all background content and…
What mature themes appear in When We Were Kings?
The film explores significant mature themes, including the Black Power movement, racism, and African-American identity in the 1970s. Muhammad Ali's political activism and controversial public image are central to the narrative. The film also touches on the…
How long is When We Were Kings?
When We Were Kings runs 89 minutes, directed by Leon Gast, released in 1996.
Where can I read the full When We Were Kings parent guide?
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