“The Boys in the Boat” is a 2023 sports drama film directed by George Clooney, based on the true story of the University of Washington rowing team that competed for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The movie has received a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which means it may be inappropriate for children under 13. This rating has been assigned primarily due to language and smoking content, but there are other factors that contribute to the classification.
Let’s take a closer look at the specific elements that led to the PG-13 rating for “The Boys in the Boat” and what parents and viewers should be aware of before watching the film.
| Rating Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Language | Moderate use of profanity |
| Smoking | Period-accurate depiction of tobacco use |
| Thematic Elements | Mature themes related to poverty and adversity |
| Violence | Mild physical confrontations |
Language Content
One of the primary reasons for the PG-13 rating is the language used in the film. According to the MPAA, “The Boys in the Boat” contains some strong language that may be inappropriate for younger viewers. The movie includes approximately 20 profanities, which is considered a moderate amount for a PG-13 rated film. These profanities consist of:
- 6 scatological terms
- 4 anatomical terms
- 9 mild obscenities
- 2 religious profanities (such as “GD”)
- 7 religious exclamations (e.g., “God,” “Jesus”)
It’s important to note that while the language is not extreme, it may be more than some parents are comfortable with for younger children. The use of profanity is likely contextual, reflecting the time period and the characters’ backgrounds, but it still contributes significantly to the PG-13 rating.
Smoking and Substance Use
Another factor in the PG-13 rating is the depiction of smoking throughout the film. As “The Boys in the Boat” is set in the 1930s, smoking is portrayed as a common and socially acceptable behavior of the time. The movie features:
- Characters smoking cigarettes in various scenes
- Drinking alcohol, including scenes with:
- Men drinking from bottles
- Boys sitting around a campfire drinking
- Drinking at social events and bars
While the substance use is historically accurate, it may be concerning for parents who wish to limit their children’s exposure to such content. The prevalence of smoking and drinking in the film is a key factor in the MPAA’s decision to assign a PG-13 rating.
Thematic Elements and Mature Content
“The Boys in the Boat” deals with several mature themes that contribute to its PG-13 rating. These elements, while not explicitly violent or sexual, may be too complex or emotionally intense for younger viewers:
- Poverty and economic hardship during the Great Depression
- Abandonment and family issues (particularly Joe Rantz’s backstory)
- The rise of Nazi Germany and political tensions leading up to World War II
- Physical and emotional challenges faced by the rowing team
The film’s exploration of these themes adds depth to the story but also requires a level of maturity from the audience to fully understand and process the content.
Sexual Content and Nudity
While not the primary reason for the PG-13 rating, “The Boys in the Boat” does contain some mild sexual content and nudity:
- Flirting and romantic scenes between characters
- Kissing scenes
- An implied sexual encounter (not explicitly shown)
- Brief nudity in a locker room setting (non-sexual context)
These elements are relatively tame compared to many PG-13 films but still contribute to the overall rating. Parents should be aware that while there is no explicit sexual content, there are romantic subplots and suggestions of intimate relationships.
Violence and Intensity
The movie contains minimal violence, but there are a few instances that may be intense for younger viewers:
- A brief physical altercation between team members
- Intense and physically demanding rowing scenes
- Emotional confrontations and arguments
While not graphic, these scenes add to the film’s intensity and contribute to its PG-13 rating. The physical nature of the sport and the high-stakes competitions may be too stressful for some children.
Historical Context and Educational Value
Despite its PG-13 rating, “The Boys in the Boat” offers significant educational value. The film provides insight into:
- The Great Depression era in America
- The 1936 Berlin Olympics and its historical significance
- The sport of rowing and its technical aspects
- Themes of perseverance, teamwork, and overcoming adversity
For older children and teenagers, the movie can serve as a springboard for discussions about history, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Parents may find that the educational benefits outweigh concerns about the PG-13 content for mature pre-teens and teenagers.
Parental Guidance Recommendations
Given the PG-13 rating and the content described above, here are some recommendations for parents:
- Preview the film if you’re considering allowing children under 13 to watch
- Be prepared to discuss mature themes with younger viewers
- Consider watching together as a family to address any questions or concerns
- Use the movie as an opportunity to talk about historical events and social issues
- Be aware that some scenes may be emotionally intense for sensitive viewers
Parents should use their judgment based on their child’s maturity level and sensitivity to determine if “The Boys in the Boat” is appropriate for them to watch.
Comparison to Similar Films
To put the PG-13 rating of “The Boys in the Boat” into perspective, it’s helpful to compare it to other sports dramas and historical films:
| Movie Title | Rating |
|---|---|
| Chariots of Fire (1981) | PG |
| Remember the Titans (2000) | PG |
| Miracle (2004) | PG |
| The Boys in the Boat (2023) | PG-13 |
| Unbroken (2014) | PG-13 |
As shown, “The Boys in the Boat” falls into a similar category as other inspirational sports films, though its slightly more mature content places it in the PG-13 range rather than PG.
FAQs About Why Is Boys In The Boat Rated PG-13
- Is there any graphic violence in “The Boys in the Boat”?
No, there is no graphic violence, but there are some intense competitive scenes and mild physical confrontations. - Does the movie contain any sexual scenes?
There are no explicit sexual scenes, but there are romantic elements and implied intimacy between characters. - How much profanity is used in the film?
The movie contains approximately 20 instances of profanity, including mild obscenities and religious exclamations. - Are there any drug use scenes in “The Boys in the Boat”?
While there’s no illegal drug use, the film depicts period-accurate smoking and alcohol consumption. - Is the movie suitable for all teenagers?
Most teenagers should be able to handle the content, but parents should consider their child’s maturity and sensitivity to historical themes.
In conclusion, “The Boys in the Boat” is rated PG-13 primarily due to its language content and depictions of smoking, with additional considerations for mature themes and mild sexual content. While the film offers an inspiring historical narrative and valuable lessons, parents should be aware of these elements when deciding if it’s appropriate for younger viewers. The PG-13 rating serves as a guide, but ultimately, the decision rests with parents who know their children’s maturity levels best.