Wit (2001) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A renowned professor is forced to reassess her life when she is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer.
Rated PG-13 • 2001 • 1h 39m
Wit receives its PG-13 rating for its intense and unflinching thematic material concerning terminal illness. The film provides a realistic, emotionally heavy depiction of Professor Vivian Bearing's experience with Stage IV ovarian cancer, including distressing scenes of aggressive chemotherapy treatments and their painful side effects. The primary content for parents to be aware of is the pervasive theme of mortality, medical… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Wit appropriate for kids?
Wit receives its PG-13 rating for its intense and unflinching thematic material concerning terminal illness. The film provides a realistic, emotionally heavy depiction of Professor Vivian Bearing's experience with Stage IV ovarian cancer, including distressing scenes of… Read more — free account
Content severity in Wit
What happens in Wit, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:08 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
- 0:15 🍷 Substances 3/10
Sex and nudity in Wit
A brief scene early in the film features non-sexual nudity in a clinical context. Vivian undergoes a pelvic exam where her bare legs and pelvic region are briefly visible as doctors perform the procedure. The scene is presented clinically and is not intended to be titillating, but it is invasive and may be uncomfortable for some viewers.
Violence and gore in Wit
There is no traditional violence. Instead, the film contains several scenes of intense medical distress. Vivian is shown having severe reactions to chemotherapy, including realistic and prolonged vomiting. One scene late in the film involves an aggressive attempt at resuscitation on a patient who has a 'Do Not Resuscitate' order, which is emotionally fraught and intense. The overall physical deterioration of the main character is shown progressively and can be difficult to watch.
Language in Wit
Language is very infrequent and mild, consisting of a few uses of words like "damn" or "hell" in moments of frustration. The film's rating is not based on its use of profanity.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Wit
Substances are present only in a medical context. Vivian is administered numerous powerful chemotherapy drugs intravenously. Toward the end of her life, she is given morphine for pain management. There is no recreational drug, alcohol, or tobacco use.
Mature themes in Wit
The film is built on intense and mature themes. The central focus is on mortality, the process of dying from cancer, and the search for human compassion in a clinical, often dehumanizing, medical system. Scenes portray extreme physical pain, emotional despair, isolation, and regret. Key thematic moments include discussions of end-of-life care, the violation of a patient's final wishes (a DNR order), and the quiet, peaceful moment of a character's death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wit appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Wit is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Wit receives its PG-13 rating for its intense and unflinching thematic material concerning terminal illness. The film provides a realistic, emotionally heavy depiction of Professor Vivian Bearing's experience with Stage…
What age rating does Wit have?
Wit is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Wit about?
Wit receives its PG-13 rating for its intense and unflinching thematic material concerning terminal illness. The film provides a realistic, emotionally heavy depiction of Professor Vivian Bearing's experience with Stage IV ovarian cancer, including distressing scenes of aggressive chemotherapy treatments and their…
Is there sex or nudity in Wit?
A brief scene early in the film features non-sexual nudity in a clinical context. Vivian undergoes a pelvic exam where her bare legs and pelvic region are briefly visible as doctors perform the procedure. The scene is presented clinically and is not intended…
How violent is Wit?
There is no traditional violence. Instead, the film contains several scenes of intense medical distress. Vivian is shown having severe reactions to chemotherapy, including realistic and prolonged vomiting. One scene late in the film involves an aggressive…
Is the language in Wit appropriate for kids?
Language is very infrequent and mild, consisting of a few uses of words like "damn" or "hell" in moments of frustration. The film's rating is not based on its use of profanity.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Wit?
Substances are present only in a medical context. Vivian is administered numerous powerful chemotherapy drugs intravenously. Toward the end of her life, she is given morphine for pain management. There is no recreational drug, alcohol, or tobacco use.
What mature themes appear in Wit?
The film is built on intense and mature themes. The central focus is on mortality, the process of dying from cancer, and the search for human compassion in a clinical, often dehumanizing, medical system. Scenes portray extreme physical pain, emotional…
How long is Wit?
Wit runs 99 minutes, directed by Mike Nichols, released in 2001.
Where can I read the full Wit parent guide?
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