Wondering if The Boys in the Boat is ok for kids? This drama based on a true story does take some liberties but is an inspirational underdog sports movie. There are some things parents should watch for including some language and mature content. Here’s what parents need to know in this Parents Guide to The Boys in the Boat.
The Boys in the Boat Parents Guide
The Boys in the Boat is a sports drama based on the #1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction novel written by Daniel James Brown. The film, directed by George Clooney, is about the 1936 University of Washington rowing team that competed for gold at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. This inspirational true story follows a group of underdogs at the height of the Great Depression as they are thrust into the spotlight and take on elite rivals from around the world.
Age Rating: Why is The Boys in the Boat Rated PG-13?
The Boys in the Boat is Rated PG-13 for smoking and language which means some content may not be suitable for kids under 13.
Language
There is some profanity including uses of sh*t, bullsh*t, a**, a**holes, “screw you,” “pricks” and uses of Deity including g-ddamn and Jesus.
Mature Content: Is The Boys in the Boat Kid Friendly?
While there is some sexual content, there is no nudity in The Boys in the Boat. It’s all pretty PG in that regard. There is some kissing, flirting, and a love story. A boy is seen sneaking out of a window of a girl’s room. A boy and girl are seen lying in bed together, but fully clothed. A woman makes a suggestive comment to her husband.
A character makes a comment about how he can feel his “nuts vibrating” due to a rocky boat.
Mature topics include family, abandonment, love, and the Depression.
Is The Boys in the Boat Appropriate for Kids Under 13?
You can expect some mild sexual content, difficult conversations, and profanity used by some characters. To sum it up, The Boys in the Boat is kid friendly for ages 12 and older. Younger kids can also watch is parents are ok with the content.
The story itself isn’t bad, in fact, the book is quite good. The problem with The Boys in the Boat is the way Clooney presents it. It’s very bland, with little conflict. The reason the book is compelling because it has the time to flesh out more back story of some of the characters as well as Nazi Germany.
The Boys in the Boat is still entertaining, perhaps not enough for younger kids, but I was still rooting for the boys from the University of Washington! If you have a rowing fan, then this one is not to be missed. And if you love an underdog sports story, then The Boys in the Boat will capture your heart.
More Parent Guides
Wonka Parents Guide and Age Rating