The historical drama The King (2019) received an R rating from the Motion Picture Association (MPA) primarily due to its depiction of strong violence and pervasive language. This classification indicates that the film contains mature content, making it generally unsuitable for viewers under the age of 17 without parental accompaniment.
Understanding Movie Ratings
Movie ratings serve as a guide for parents and viewers, indicating the level of content suitable for different age groups. The MPA's voluntary rating system evaluates films based on themes, violence, language, nudity, drug use, and other elements. An R rating, specifically, suggests that the film's content is mature and may contain elements that parents would want to consider before allowing younger children to view it.
Here's a quick overview of the main MPA ratings:
| Rating | Definition | Viewer Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| G | General Audiences | All ages admitted. |
| PG | Parental Guidance Suggested | Some material may not be suitable for pre-teenagers. |
| PG-13 | Parents Strongly Cautioned | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. |
| R | Restricted | Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. |
| NC-17 | No Children Under 17 Admitted | Clearly adult; no one 17 and under admitted. |
Specific Reasons for The King's R Rating
The King, a cinematic adaptation of William Shakespeare's Henriad plays, focuses on the tumultuous life of King Henry V. Its historical setting and dramatic narrative naturally lead to mature themes, which are reflected in its R rating.
Strong Violence
The film portrays the brutal realities of medieval warfare and power struggles. This includes:
- Intense Battle Sequences: Viewers witness graphic and immersive combat scenes, particularly the climactic Battle of Agincourt, which depicts significant bloodshed, dismemberment, and the visceral nature of hand-to-hand combat.
- Depictions of Injury and Death: The movie does not shy away from showing the consequences of violence, including injuries and fatalities that contribute to its mature classification. These scenes are often realistic and impactful, designed to convey the harshness of the era.
Pervasive Language
In addition to the visual violence, the film's dialogue includes the frequent use of strong language. This can involve:
- Profanity and Expletives: Characters use explicit language throughout the film, reflecting a more gritty and historically grounded tone that is not typically found in family-friendly productions. The consistent presence of such language is a key factor in the R rating, as it can be deemed inappropriate for younger audiences.
What Does an R Rating Mean for Viewers?
For The King, the R rating serves as a clear signal to audiences that they should expect content that deals with mature themes in an unfiltered manner. Parents considering viewing the film with a minor should be prepared for the aforementioned strong violence and language. The rating aims to help parents make informed decisions about what their children watch, ensuring content aligns with their family's values and the child's emotional maturity.
It encourages a discussion between parents and their children about the themes presented, such as the consequences of war, political maneuvering, and historical events, while being mindful of the explicit content.
