Following the success of the action-comedy, The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017), a sequel is shortly set to arrive in cinemas. The movie – titled The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard – picks up the story four years after its predecessor and focuses on the relationship between Michael Bryce and Darius Kincaid, as well as Darius’ wife, Sonia.
The movie is directed by Patrick Hughes, and is based on a screenplay by Tom O’Connor, Brandon Murphy, and Philip Murphy. The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard stars Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek, along with Frank Grillo, Richard E. Grant, Antonio Banderas and Morgan Freeman.
The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is being touted as a big release for summer 2021, and will grab the attention of many audiences who are looking for some action-orientated entertainment this year. And due to the inclusion of Ryan Reynolds, who is known for his wise-cracking quips and droll humour, the film will no-doubt catch the attention of young audiences too – especially those who are fans of the actor.
But the big question is, is The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard suitable for children? Should a child or a teenager watch the movie?
In the US, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard has been rated ‘R’ by the Motion Picture Association (MPA). This means the movie is ‘restricted’ because it contains adult material, and parents are urged by the MPA to learn more about the movie before taking young children to see it.
The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard has received an ‘R’ rating from the MPA because the movie contains strong bloody violence, pervasive language and some sexual content. This rating is in-keeping with the film’s predecessor, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, which also received an ‘R’ rating back in 2017.
So, what does all this mean?
Well, in terms of the rating, in the US children are allowed to watch ‘R’ rated movies in theatres. They must be accompanied by adults, but they can view the movie – it is ultimately at the parent’s discretion.
But even if you CAN take a child into an ‘R’ rated movie, does this help you decide if THIS movie is suitable for YOUR child? Probably not.
My suggestion would be to look to the UK’s age rating system for additional help. Over here in the UK, we have a different age rating system for movies, with each movie given a certification backed by law.
In the UK, ‘R’ rated movies, such as The Hitman’s Bodyguard, tend to be rated ‘15’ which means they are not suitable for anyone below this age. During the theatrical release of a ’15’ certificate movie, no one below the age of 15 is allowed to watch the film on the big screen.
It doesn’t matter if you accompany your child, they will not be permitted to view the film during its cinematic run if they are under age. If a UK cinema chain were to ignore this classification, then they would be open to prosecution – this isn’t guidance, it is law.
The US and UK operate a very different system when it comes to film ratings/classifications, and what is deemed acceptable in one country is not the same in the other (and vice versa). As such, it can be difficult to compare the two, however, the UK’s age rating of ‘15’ can be used as a guide if you so wish.
Ultimately, if you live in the US, it is up to you to decide what is best for your child when it comes to watching an ‘R’ rated movie. No one knows your child like you do, and only you will know if they can handle the material that is presented.
If in any doubt, check out the movie before taking your child to the cinema, or rent its predecessor to familiarise yourself with the overall tone of this franchise. And of course, if you know someone who has already watched the new movie, such as a friend or family member, ask their opinion about the content – they may know you and your child well enough to offer guidance.
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