Wings of Desire (1987) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Two angels, Damiel and Cassiel, glide through the streets of Berlin, observing the bustling population, providing invisible rays of hope to the distressed but never interacting with them. When Damiel falls in love with lonely trapeze artist Marion, the angel longs to experience life in the physical world, and finds — with some words of wisdom from actor Peter Falk — that it might be possible for him to take human form.
Rated PG-13 • 1987 • 2h 8m
This meditative, philosophical art film follows two angels, Damiel and Cassiel, as they observe the lives of citizens in a divided Berlin. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic material, including a pivotal scene of suicide, discussions of despair, and archival footage of historical tragedies. The content also includes a single scene of brief non-sexual nudity, some profanity including one use of "f*ck", and… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Wings of Desire appropriate for kids?
This meditative, philosophical art film follows two angels, Damiel and Cassiel, as they observe the lives of citizens in a divided Berlin. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic material, including a pivotal scene of suicide, discussions of despair, and… Read more — free account
Content severity in Wings of Desire
What happens in Wings of Desire, moment by moment
- 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:36 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
Sex and nudity in Wings of Desire
A single, brief scene contains non-sexual nudity. The trapeze artist Marion is seen alone in her trailer and undresses; her breasts are visible for a moment. There is no other sexual content or innuendo in the film.
Violence and gore in Wings of Desire
Violence is infrequent and not graphic. The most significant moment involves a young man committing suicide by jumping from a tall building; the film shows him jump but does not depict the impact or any gore. Additionally, there are brief clips of historical newsreel footage showing war-torn cities and suffering people, including emaciated individuals.
Language in Wings of Desire
Language is infrequent but does include one use of "fuck". Other milder profanities like "shit" and "bastard" are also used once or twice. The use of strong language is sparse and not a constant feature of the dialogue.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Wings of Desire
Smoking is prevalent throughout the film. Peter Falk's character is frequently seen with a cigarette, and once the angel Damiel becomes human, he also smokes. Characters are also shown drinking alcohol (beer, wine) in social settings like bars and at home.
Mature themes in Wings of Desire
The film is built on strong, mature themes of mortality, love, despair, and the weight of German history. The angels listen to the inner monologues of lonely and suffering people. A central, intense sequence involves an angel's tormented observation of a suicide he is powerless to prevent. The use of archival footage of war victims and the overall melancholic tone contribute to the film's thematic weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wings of Desire appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Wings of Desire is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This meditative, philosophical art film follows two angels, Damiel and Cassiel, as they observe the lives of citizens in a divided Berlin. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic material, including…
What age rating does Wings of Desire have?
Wings of Desire is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Wings of Desire about?
This meditative, philosophical art film follows two angels, Damiel and Cassiel, as they observe the lives of citizens in a divided Berlin. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for its mature thematic material, including a pivotal scene of suicide, discussions of despair, and archival footage of historical tragedies…
Is there sex or nudity in Wings of Desire?
A single, brief scene contains non-sexual nudity. The trapeze artist Marion is seen alone in her trailer and undresses; her breasts are visible for a moment. There is no other sexual content or innuendo in the film.
How violent is Wings of Desire?
Violence is infrequent and not graphic. The most significant moment involves a young man committing suicide by jumping from a tall building; the film shows him jump but does not depict the impact or any gore. Additionally, there are brief clips of historical…
Is the language in Wings of Desire appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent but does include one use of "fuck". Other milder profanities like "shit" and "bastard" are also used once or twice. The use of strong language is sparse and not a constant feature of the dialogue.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Wings of Desire?
Smoking is prevalent throughout the film. Peter Falk's character is frequently seen with a cigarette, and once the angel Damiel becomes human, he also smokes. Characters are also shown drinking alcohol (beer, wine) in social settings like bars and at home.
What mature themes appear in Wings of Desire?
The film is built on strong, mature themes of mortality, love, despair, and the weight of German history. The angels listen to the inner monologues of lonely and suffering people. A central, intense sequence involves an angel's tormented observation of a…
How long is Wings of Desire?
Wings of Desire runs 128 minutes, directed by Wim Wenders, released in 1987.
Where can I read the full Wings of Desire parent guide?
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