Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman” is an epic crime drama that has garnered critical acclaim and audience attention. The film’s stellar cast and captivating story make it a worthwhile viewing experience. However, due to its mature themes and graphic violence, The Irishman carries an R rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), indicating that it is suitable for audiences aged 17 and above. This comprehensive guide will provide parents with the necessary information to make an informed decision about whether The Irishman is appropriate for their children.
The film’s runtime spans over three hours, so parents should consider their child’s attention span before allowing them to watch the movie. The narrative structure involves flashbacks and jumps between different timelines, which might prove challenging for younger viewers to follow. Additionally, “The Irishman” contains explicit language, violent sequences, and depictions of drug use and gambling, making it unsuitable for children.
While “The Irishman” may not be appropriate for younger audiences, parents of older children or teenagers may want to consider discussing the film’s themes and historical context with them. The movie offers valuable insights into organized crime, loyalty, and the effects of aging and mortality. Parents can use these discussions to teach their children about the dangers of crime, the importance of personal responsibility, and the challenges of aging.
The Irishman Parents Guide
Guide for Responsible Viewing
- MPAA Rating: R
- Graphic Violence
- Strong Language
- Drug Use Depictions
- Gambling Scenes
- Complex Storyline
- Three-Hour Runtime
Parents should consider these factors before allowing their children to watch The Irishman.
MPAA Rating: R
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has assigned The Irishman an R rating, indicating that it is restricted to audiences under 17 unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. This rating is due to the film’s graphic violence, strong language, and drug use depictions.
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Graphic Violence:
The Irishman contains numerous scenes of graphic violence, including shootings, stabbings, and beatings. These scenes are often depicted in a realistic and unflinching manner, which may be disturbing for some viewers.
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Strong Language:
The film also features frequent use of strong language, including profanities and slurs. This language may be offensive or inappropriate for younger viewers.
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Drug Use Depictions:
The Irishman includes scenes depicting characters using drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. These scenes may be triggering or inappropriate for viewers who are struggling with addiction or have loved ones who have struggled with addiction.
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Gambling Scenes:
The film also contains scenes depicting gambling, including poker and horse racing. These scenes may be inappropriate for younger viewers or those who struggle with gambling addiction.
Parents should carefully consider these factors before allowing their children to watch The Irishman. The film’s R rating is a clear indication that it is not suitable for younger audiences.
Graphic Violence
The Irishman contains numerous scenes of graphic violence, which may be disturbing or inappropriate for some viewers. Parents should be aware of the following types of graphic violence depicted in the film:
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Shootings:
The film features multiple scenes involving shootings, both in close-quarters and at long range. These scenes are often depicted in a realistic and unflinching manner, with blood and gore visible.
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Stabbings:
There are also several scenes involving stabbings, with knives and other sharp objects used to inflict serious injury. These scenes can be particularly disturbing due to the close-up nature of the violence.
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Beatings:
The film includes scenes depicting brutal beatings, with characters being punched, kicked, and stomped on. These scenes can be difficult to watch due to their intensity and realism.
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Torture:
There is one scene in the film that depicts torture, with a character being subjected to severe pain and suffering. This scene is particularly disturbing and may be too intense for some viewers.
Parents should carefully consider the graphic violence depicted in The Irishman before allowing their children to watch the film. This type of violence may be too intense or disturbing for younger viewers or those who are sensitive to violence.
Strong Language
The Irishman features frequent use of strong language, including profanities and slurs. Parents should be aware of the following types of strong language used in the film:
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Profanities:
The film contains numerous instances of common profanities, such as “fuck,” “shit,” and “asshole.” These words are used by characters in a variety of contexts, including moments of anger, frustration, and humor.
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Slurs:
The film also includes several instances of racial and ethnic slurs, such as “n-word” and “kike.” These slurs are used by characters in a derogatory and hateful manner, and they may be particularly offensive to some viewers.
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Sexual Language:
There is some use of sexual language in the film, including references to sexual acts and body parts. This language may be inappropriate for younger viewers or those who are sensitive to such content.
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Religious Language:
The film also includes some instances of religious language, including profanities and slurs. This language may be offensive to some viewers, particularly those who are religious.
Parents should carefully consider the strong language used in The Irishman before allowing their children to watch the film. This type of language may be inappropriate or offensive to some viewers, particularly younger children or those who are sensitive to such content.
Drug Use Depictions
The Irishman includes several scenes depicting drug use, which may be inappropriate or triggering for some viewers. Parents should be aware of the following types of drug use depicted in the film:
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Cocaine Use:
Cocaine is the most commonly depicted drug in the film, with characters snorting it and using it in other ways. The film portrays cocaine use as glamorous and enjoyable, which may be misleading or harmful for viewers, particularly younger ones.
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Heroin Use:
There is also one scene in the film that depicts heroin use, with a character injecting the drug. This scene is particularly disturbing and may be triggering for viewers who are struggling with addiction or have loved ones who have struggled with addiction.
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Alcohol Use:
Alcohol use is also depicted in the film, with characters drinking in bars, at parties, and in other social settings. While alcohol use is legal and common, it is important for parents to be aware that the film portrays alcohol use in a positive light, which may send the wrong message to younger viewers.
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Prescription Drug Use:
There is also one scene in the film that depicts prescription drug abuse, with a character taking pills without a prescription. This scene may be triggering for viewers who have struggled with prescription drug abuse or have loved ones who have struggled with prescription drug abuse.
Parents should carefully consider the drug use depictions in The Irishman before allowing their children to watch the film. These depictions may be inappropriate or triggering for some viewers, particularly younger viewers or those who are struggling with addiction or have loved ones who have struggled with addiction.
Gambling Scenes
The Irishman includes several scenes depicting gambling, which may be inappropriate for some viewers. Parents should be aware of the following types of gambling depicted in the film:
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Poker:
Poker is the most commonly depicted form of gambling in the film, with characters playing in high-stakes games in casinos and private homes. The film portrays poker as a glamorous and exciting activity, which may be misleading or harmful for viewers, particularly younger ones.
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Horse Racing:
Horse racing is also depicted in the film, with characters betting on races at the track. Horse racing is often seen as a more legitimate form of gambling, but it can still be addictive and harmful.
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Sports Betting:
There is also one scene in the film that depicts sports betting, with a character betting on a football game. Sports betting is becoming increasingly popular, but it is important for parents to be aware that it can be addictive and harmful, especially for younger viewers.
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Illegal Gambling:
The film also includes scenes depicting illegal gambling, such as backroom poker games and dice games. Illegal gambling is often associated with organized crime and other dangerous activities.
Parents should carefully consider the gambling scenes in The Irishman before allowing their children to watch the film. These scenes may be inappropriate for some viewers, particularly younger viewers or those who are struggling with gambling addiction or have loved ones who have struggled with gambling addiction.
Complex Storyline
The Irishman features a complex and non-linear storyline that may be difficult for some viewers to follow. Parents should be aware of the following elements of the film’s storyline:
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Multiple Timelines:
The film jumps back and forth between different time periods, making it important for viewers to pay close attention to the details in order to understand the story. This non-linear structure may be confusing or overwhelming for some viewers, particularly younger ones.
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Large Cast of Characters:
The film features a large cast of characters, many of whom are involved in complex and interconnected relationships. This can make it difficult for viewers to keep track of who is who and what their motivations are.
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Political and Historical Context:
The film is set against the backdrop of real-life political and historical events, such as the rise of the Teamsters Union and the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Viewers who are not familiar with this context may find it difficult to understand the significance of certain events in the film.
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Thematic Complexity:
The Irishman explores complex themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of violence. These themes may be difficult for some viewers, particularly younger ones, to understand or grapple with.
Parents should carefully consider the complexity of The Irishman’s storyline before allowing their children to watch the film. This complexity may make it difficult for some viewers to follow or understand the film’s message.
Three-Hour Runtime
The Irishman has a runtime of three hours and twenty-nine minutes, making it one of the longest films ever released by a major studio. Parents should be aware of the following considerations related to the film’s runtime:
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Attention Span:
The film’s long runtime may be difficult for some viewers, particularly younger ones, to sit through. Parents should consider their child’s attention span and whether they are likely to be able to focus on the film for its entire duration.
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Multiple Breaks:
If parents do decide to allow their children to watch The Irishman, it may be helpful to plan for multiple breaks during the film. This will give viewers a chance to stretch, use the restroom, or simply take a break from the film’s intensity.
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Pacing:
The film’s pacing is relatively slow, with long stretches of dialogue and exposition. This may be difficult for some viewers to engage with, particularly those who are used to faster-paced films.
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Multiple Viewings:
Due to its length and complexity, some viewers may want to watch The Irishman multiple times in order to fully appreciate it. Parents should be prepared for this possibility and consider whether they are willing to allow their children to watch the film multiple times.
Parents should carefully consider the three-hour runtime of The Irishman before allowing their children to watch the film. This runtime may make it difficult for some viewers to sit through and appreciate the film.
FAQ
The following are frequently asked questions (FAQs) from parents about The Irishman:
Question 1: Is The Irishman appropriate for children?
Answer 1: No, The Irishman is not appropriate for children. The film is rated R by the MPAA for graphic violence, strong language, and drug use depictions. Additionally, the film’s complex storyline and three-hour runtime may be difficult for younger viewers to follow and appreciate.
Question 2: What are the most concerning elements of The Irishman for parents?
Answer 2: The most concerning elements of The Irishman for parents include the graphic violence, strong language, drug use depictions, gambling scenes, complex storyline, and three-hour runtime. Parents should carefully consider these elements before allowing their children to watch the film.
Question 3: Can I watch The Irishman with my teenage child?
Answer 3: It depends on your child’s maturity level and sensitivity to violence, strong language, and other mature content. If you are concerned about any of these elements, it is best to err on the side of caution and not allow your child to watch the film. You may also want to consider watching the film yourself first to determine if it is appropriate for your child.
Question 4: Are there any positive messages in The Irishman that I can discuss with my child?
Answer 4: Yes, there are some positive messages in The Irishman that you can discuss with your child. These messages include the importance of loyalty, friendship, and family. The film also explores the consequences of violence and the dangers of organized crime. You can use these themes to start a conversation with your child about important life lessons.
Question 5: How can I talk to my child about the violence in The Irishman?
Answer 5: It is important to talk to your child about the violence in The Irishman in a way that is both honest and age-appropriate. You can start by asking your child how they felt about the violence and what they thought about it. You can also explain that violence is never the answer and that it can have serious consequences. You can also use the film as an opportunity to talk to your child about bullying and other forms of violence that they may encounter in their own lives.
Question 6: What are some tips for watching The Irishman with my child?
Answer 6: If you do decide to watch The Irishman with your child, there are a few things you can do to make the experience more positive. First, watch the film yourself first to determine if it is appropriate for your child. Second, talk to your child about the film’s rating and the reasons why it is rated R. Third, watch the film with your child and be prepared to answer any questions they may have. Finally, use the film as an opportunity to start a conversation with your child about important life lessons.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
The Irishman is a powerful and thought-provoking film, but it is not appropriate for all viewers. Parents should carefully consider the film’s rating and content before allowing their children to watch it. If you do decide to watch the film with your child, there are a few things you can do to make the experience more positive. By following these tips, you can help your child to understand and appreciate the film’s message.
In addition to the FAQ, here are some additional tips for parents who are considering allowing their children to watch The Irishman:
Tips
Here are some additional tips for parents who are considering allowing their children to watch The Irishman:
Tip 1: Watch the film yourself first.
Before you allow your child to watch The Irishman, it is important to watch the film yourself first. This will help you to determine if the film is appropriate for your child’s age and maturity level. You can also look out for any specific scenes or themes that you may want to discuss with your child before or after they watch the film.
Tip 2: Talk to your child about the film’s rating and content.
Once you have watched the film, talk to your child about its rating and the reasons why it is rated R. Explain to your child that the film contains graphic violence, strong language, and drug use depictions. You can also talk to your child about the film’s complex storyline and its three-hour runtime. Make sure your child understands that the film may be difficult to watch and that they can talk to you about anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Tip 3: Watch the film with your child.
If you decide to allow your child to watch The Irishman, it is best to watch the film with them. This will give you an opportunity to answer any questions they may have and to discuss the film’s themes and messages. You can also use the film as an opportunity to bond with your child and to talk about important life lessons.
Tip 4: Use the film as an opportunity to start a conversation with your child about important life lessons.
The Irishman is a film that can spark important conversations about life lessons such as the importance of loyalty, friendship, and family. You can also use the film to talk to your child about the consequences of violence and the dangers of organized crime. By talking to your child about these important topics, you can help them to develop a strong moral compass and to make good choices in their own lives.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can help your child to have a positive and meaningful experience watching The Irishman. You can also use the film as an opportunity to bond with your child and to teach them important life lessons.
The Irishman is a powerful and thought-provoking film that can be a valuable learning experience for children and parents alike. By following these tips, you can help your child to understand and appreciate the film’s message.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
The Irishman is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of violence. However, the film is also rated R for graphic violence, strong language, drug use depictions, gambling scenes, a complex storyline, and a three-hour runtime. Parents should carefully consider these factors before allowing their children to watch the film.
Closing Message:
If you do decide to allow your child to watch The Irishman, there are a few things you can do to make the experience more positive. First, watch the film yourself first to determine if it is appropriate for your child. Second, talk to your child about the film’s rating and content. Third, watch the film with your child and be prepared to answer any questions they may have. Finally, use the film as an opportunity to start a conversation with your child about important life lessons.
The Irishman is a film that can be enjoyed by adults and older teenagers alike. However, it is important for parents to be aware of the film’s mature content and to make an informed decision about whether or not the film is appropriate for their child.