Heading into cinemas shortly (Christmas Day in the US, New Year’s Day in the UK) is the biographical musical drama, Song Sung Blue. Written and directed by Craig Brewer, and based on the documentary of the same name by Greg Kohs, the movie stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, who play Mike and Claire Sardina – two members of a Neil Diamond tribute band.
Describing the movie, Universal Pictures said: “Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams.”
When Song Sung Blue hits cinema screens it is hoping to attract the attention of audiences looking for a good mix of music, drama, and entertainment over the holidays. But will it be suitable for all ages or family viewing?
Let’s take a look at the rating to find out.
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Song Sung Blue UK age rating
In the UK, Song Sung Blue has been awarded a ‘12A’ certificate by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). The movie has received this certificate due to “upsetting scenes, references to sex & drugs, injury detail, (and) strong language.”
With regard to the language, the BBFC said: “There is infrequent use of strong language (‘f**k’). Milder terms include ‘whore’, ‘son of a bitch’, ‘shit’, ‘balls’, ‘pissed’, ‘crap’, ‘boobs’, ‘hussy’, ‘Jesus’ and ‘Goddamnit’, in addition to use of the ‘middle finger’ gesture.”
In the UK, if a movie is awarded a ‘12A’ certificate it means the BBFC believe it is most suitable for audiences aged 12 and over. So, if you’re 12 or over this one is perhaps better suited for you.
However, the ‘A’ in the ‘12A’ certificate indicates that children below the age of 12 can watch the movie in cinemas, so long as they are ‘accompanied’ by a parent or adult guardian. As such, if you’re a big family, you want to watch this movie, but have younger children, you can take them if you wish.
The question then becomes: Should you take them? Well, that’s up to you.
Any one of any age can watch Song Sung Blue in a UK cinema, as long as those below 12 are accompanied by an adult. Just be aware, the film’s themes and content may not be entirely suitable for very young audiences so it will come down to individual parental discretion to decide if it is suitable for your child.
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Song Sung Blue US age rating
Over in the US, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has granted Song Sung Blue a ‘PG-13’ rating. The MPAA has given the movie this rating due to thematic material, some strong language, some sexual material and brief drug use.
In the US, anyone can watch a PG-13 in cinemas, however, similar to the UK’s age rating, parents are strongly cautioned. According to the MPAA “some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.”
So, once again it is a case of adults and parents being aware of the content of the movie, as well as its rating, and deciding if the film is suitable for the youngest members of the household. Song Sung Blue can be watched by the whole family, but it’s up to individual parents to decide if it is suitable for their very young children based on the MPAA guidance.
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