Poster for The Century of the Self

The Century of the Self (2002) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The legacy of famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud informs the lives of people throughout the world even to this day, though it's a phenomenon to which most are unaware. The film is an exhaustive examination of his theories on human desire, and how they're applied to platforms such as advertising, consumerism and politics.

NR • 2002 • 1 season

8.5
100+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
14+

The Century of the Self is a dense, academic documentary series best suited for older teens and adults. Although unrated, its content is equivalent to a TV-14 rating or higher due to its complex and mature themes and the use of historical archival footage. Parents should be aware that the series is built on Freudian psychoanalytic theory, leading to extensive, academic discussion of sexual drives and the subconscious. It also contains… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Adam Curtis
Adam Curtis
Anne Bernays
Anne Bernays
MB
Martin Bergmann
Robert Reich
Robert Reich
Edward L. Bernays
Edward L. Bernays
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud
AF
Anna Freud
Wilhelm Reich
Wilhelm Reich
Tony Blair
Tony Blair
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
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Is The Century of the Self appropriate for kids?

The Century of the Self is a dense, academic documentary series best suited for older teens and adults. Although unrated, its content is equivalent to a TV-14 rating or higher due to its complex and mature themes and the use of historical archival footage. Parents should be… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Century of the Self Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Mild 2/10
Language Mild 2/10
Sex/Nudity None 0/10
Violence/Gore Moderate 4/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in The Century of the Self

Sexual content is absent in the series. While Freud's theories often touch on sexuality, the documentary discusses these concepts in an academic and detached manner, without any visual or explicit verbal depictions of sexual acts or innuendo.

Violence and gore in The Century of the Self

Violence is not a primary focus. Some historical archival footage may contain brief, non-graphic depictions of protests, civil unrest, or war, reflecting the historical context being discussed. These are short clips and not sensationalized, serving purely as historical documentation to illustrate societal shifts or conflicts.

Language in The Century of the Self

The language used in the series is academic and formal, fitting for a documentary. There is no strong profanity or offensive language used by narrators or interviewees. Any occasional mild expletives (e.g., "hell" or "damn") might appear in historical speeches or interviews, but they are infrequent.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Century of the Self

There is no explicit depiction of substance use, abuse, or addiction. The series may briefly show historical figures smoking or casually drinking in archival footage, reflecting the societal norms of the time, but it is never a focal point.

Mature themes in The Century of the Self

The core themes revolve around psychological manipulation, consumerism, political propaganda, and societal control. The series explores how individuals' unconscious desires were harnessed to shape public opinion and behavior, raising ethical questions about freedom and mass influence. It delves into the idea of a constructed self and how individuals are swayed by external forces, which can be complex and potentially unsettling for some viewers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Century of the Self appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Century of the Self is best for ages 14+. It's rated NR. The Century of the Self is a dense, academic documentary series best suited for older teens and adults. Although unrated, its content is equivalent to a TV-14 rating or higher due to its complex and mature themes and…

What age rating does The Century of the Self have?

The Century of the Self is rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.

What is The Century of the Self about?

The Century of the Self is a dense, academic documentary series best suited for older teens and adults. Although unrated, its content is equivalent to a TV-14 rating or higher due to its complex and mature themes and the use of historical archival footage. Parents should be aware that the series is built on Freudian…

How many seasons does The Century of the Self have?

The Century of the Self has 1 season covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in The Century of the Self?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across The Century of the Self.

How violent is The Century of the Self?

Violence isn't a standout concern across The Century of the Self per our reviewers.

Is the language in The Century of the Self appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Century of the Self.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Century of the Self?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across The Century of the Self.

What mature themes appear in The Century of the Self?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of The Century of the Self.

Where can I read the full The Century of the Self parent guide?

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