Why We Rated This Appropriate for Ages 16 and UP

What to watch out for

• Violence:

  Lots of violence, both brutal acts and bloody aftermath. Sheriff describes crime scenes (e.g., "blood all over the floor"). Weapons include shotguns, knives, and pistols; villain also uses an oxygen tank to shoot through victims' heads (no... More

  Lots of violence, both brutal acts and bloody aftermath. Sheriff describes crime scenes (e.g., "blood all over the floor"). Weapons include shotguns, knives, and pistols; villain also uses an oxygen tank to shoot through victims' heads (no bullet, deadly hole). Several shootouts go on for long minutes, featuring blood, stylized shadows, speedy cuts, loud guns, and breaking glass and furniture. Early scene includes multiple corpses shown shot and drying in the sun, as well as a survivor begging for water. A dog attacks Llewelyn, who shoots it mid-leap (no blood, but big teeth and loud noise); he's left with wounds and bloody feet. Villain washes and sews his own bloody wound (shown in close-up). Shooting victim shows bloody neck and gurgles; body left floating in a pool; other bodies in a parking lot and motel room. A car accident leaves a man bloody; he stumbles out and reveals his broken arm (bone exposed) to two boys. Close

• Drugs:

  The plot turns on a large quantity of heroin (shown at the film's start in brick form) and money. Several scenes of drinking (beer and liquor) at home, in a bar, and in a hotel room. Llewelyn holds a beer, pretending to be drunk in order to... More

  The plot turns on a large quantity of heroin (shown at the film's start in brick form) and money. Several scenes of drinking (beer and liquor) at home, in a bar, and in a hotel room. Llewelyn holds a beer, pretending to be drunk in order to cross the Mexican border. Close

• Language:

  The characters are generally laconic, offering occasional colorful commentary, including one use of "f--k" (by a child), several uses of "hell" and "ass," plus one or two uses of each of the following: "goddamn," "s--t," "bitch" (one with "... More

  The characters are generally laconic, offering occasional colorful commentary, including one use of "f--k" (by a child), several uses of "hell" and "ass," plus one or two uses of each of the following: "goddamn," "s--t," "bitch" (one with "son of a"), and "swinging dick." Close

• Messages

• Sex:

  Villain is naked in a bathtub, but no explicit shots.

• Consumerism:

  Details/logos used to establish location: Texaco gas station, Southwestern Bell bill.

What Parents Need to Know

About No Country for Old Men

Parents need to know that this violent, mature crime drama from the filmmakers behind Fargo isn't for kids. Scenes include bloody wounds, jarring acts of aggression (shooting, fighting), and psychological abuse (the primary villain is especially unnerving in his calm demeanor, callousness, and ingenuity). Several scenes involve lengthy shootouts between characters with large guns, as well as contemplations of the bloody aftermath. You can also expect frequent references to drugs (the $2 million at stake is part of a heroin deal gone bad), some drinking, and language (the one use of "f--k" is by a young boy).

Families Can Talk About

Families can talk about the film's use of violence. Does violence have the same impact in a movie like this as in an action movie like Live Free or Die Hard? Why or why not? Which type of movie violence do you find more affecting and/or upsetting? How do the Coens use filmmaking techniques to spark specific emotions in their audience? Do you think this film can be considered a Western? Why or why not?