“News of the World”, directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks, is a 2020 Western drama set in post-Civil War Texas. The film follows a traveling newsreader who embarks on a journey to reunite a young girl with her family, exploring themes of redemption and humanity. Rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, and thematic material, it offers a compelling narrative for fans of historical dramas and character-driven stories.
Overview of the Film
“News of the World” is a 2020 American Western drama directed by Paul Greengrass, based on Paulette Jiles’ 2016 novel. Set in 1870s Texas, the film follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a Civil War veteran who travels from town to town reading newspapers to inform and entertain locals. When Kidd encounters a young girl raised by Native Americans, he embarks on a perilous journey to reunite her with her surviving family. The film explores themes of redemption, humanity, and resilience, offering a poignant and visually stunning portrayal of a turbulent era in American history.
Director and Cast
“News of the World” is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Greengrass, known for his work on Captain Phillips and Bourne films. The movie stars Tom Hanks as Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a Civil War veteran turned traveling newsreader. The cast also features Helena Zengel as Johanna, a young girl raised by Native Americans, and supporting actors Fred Hechinger and Michael Angelo Covino. Hanks’ performance brings depth and nuance to the story, while Greengrass’ direction captures the gritty yet hopeful tone of the film. Their collaboration elevates the story, making it a compelling watch for audiences seeking historical drama and strong character development.
Plot Summary
“News of the World” is set in 1870s Texas, where Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a Civil War veteran, travels from town to town reading newspapers to inform the public. Kidd is tasked with escorting Johanna, a young girl kidnapped by Native Americans years earlier, to her remaining relatives. Their perilous journey across the Texas plains is filled with danger, emotional depth, and moments of connection. The story explores themes of trust, redemption, and the power of human bonds in a post-war, divided world. The film captures the challenges of rebuilding lives and finding hope in uncertain times, offering a poignant and adventurous narrative.
MPAA Rating and Parents Guide
“News of the World” is rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, thematic material, and some language. Parents should exercise discretion for younger viewers due to these elements.
Why is “News of the World” Rated PG-13?
“News of the World” is rated PG-13 for its depiction of violence, disturbing images, and thematic material. The film includes scenes of Western violence, such as shootings and fistfights, with some blood visible. While the violence is not excessively graphic, it is present and may be unsettling for younger audiences. Additionally, the movie addresses mature themes like racial tension and the harsh realities of frontier life, which could require parental discretion for younger viewers. The rating reflects these elements, making it suitable for teens but with guidance recommended.
Content Severity Ratings
The film contains moderate content across various categories. Violence includes Western-style shootouts and fistfights, with some blood visible but not excessively graphic. Disturbing images involve perilous situations and emotional intensity. Thematic elements explore racial tensions and frontier hardships, adding depth but requiring parental discretion. Language is mild, with occasional profanity. Sexual content is minimal, limited to subtle references. Alcohol use is depicted but not glorified. Overall, the content aligns with its PG-13 rating, balancing intense moments with a strong narrative, making it suitable for teens with guidance.
On-Screen Violence and Gore
“News of the World” features moderate violence typical of a Western film. Scenes include shootings with minimal blood, fistfights, and perilous situations. While there are moments of intensity, such as beatings and killings, the gore is not graphic or prolonged. The film shows some blood, scars, and the consequences of violence, but these elements are not excessively detailed. The violence serves the story rather than being gratuitous, aligning with its PG-13 rating. Parents should be aware of these scenes when deciding if the film is appropriate for younger viewers.
Violence and Gore in the Film
“News of the World” contains Western-style violence, including shootings, fistfights, and perilous situations. While some scenes are intense, the gore is minimal, with limited blood and graphic detail.
Western Violence Scenes
The film features classic Western violence, including gunfights and fistfights, set against the backdrop of a turbulent 1870s Texas. While these scenes are intense, they are not overly graphic. Some characters are shown being shot, with minimal blood visible. The violence serves the story, highlighting the era’s lawlessness and the protagonist’s protective instincts. However, the portrayal avoids excessive gore, making it more about tension and character development than visceral impact. Parents should be aware of these scenes, but they are handled with restraint, fitting the PG-13 rating.
Disturbing Images and Themes
“News of the World” tackles heavy themes, including racial violence and the brutality of Westward expansion, which may unsettle some viewers. The film depicts the harsh realities of post-Civil War America, showing the mistreatment of indigenous populations and the emotional scars of war. While not excessively graphic, scenes of beatings, blood, and scars are present, adding to the film’s emotional weight. These elements, though disturbing, are integral to the story and its historical context, offering a poignant reflection on a tumultuous era. Parents should consider their child’s sensitivity to such themes.
Impact on Young Audiences
“News of the World” deals with mature themes that could affect young viewers. Scenes of violence, emotional distress, and historical cruelty may be overwhelming for sensitive children. The film’s focus on loss, resilience, and moral growth, however, offers valuable lessons. Parents should gauge their child’s maturity level, as the movie’s complex emotional landscape may spark important discussions. While the PG-13 rating suggests suitability for teens, younger audiences may require guidance to fully understand and process the film’s heavier content and historical significance.
Sexual Content and Nudity
“News of the World” contains minimal sexual content and no nudity. Brief, non-explicit references to sex are used contextually, avoiding graphic or suggestive scenes, making it suitable for most audiences.
Sexual References in the Film
The film includes minimal sexual references, with no explicit or graphic content. Subtle hints of sexuality are present, often used as taunts rather than explicit dialogue. These moments are brief and non-detailed, avoiding any overtly suggestive material. The references are mild and not central to the storyline, ensuring the film remains focused on its historical and emotional themes. Parents should note these elements but will find them restrained compared to many modern films. The lack of graphic sexual content makes it suitable for younger audiences under parental guidance, though discretion is advised based on individual sensitivity levels.
Nudity and Suggestive Scenes
“News of the World” contains no nudity or explicit suggestive scenes. The film maintains a modest approach, focusing on storytelling and character development over visual content. Any subtle suggestive elements are minimal and not explicit, ensuring the narrative remains respectful and appropriate. Parents can appreciate the restraint shown in this aspect, making it suitable for younger viewers. The absence of nudity aligns with the film’s PG-13 rating and its focus on historical and emotional themes, providing a family-friendly viewing experience with proper guidance.
Appropriateness for Teenagers
“News of the World” is generally suitable for teenagers due to its PG-13 rating and thoughtful storytelling. While it contains mild violence and some profanity, these elements are not excessive or gratuitous. The film’s themes of responsibility, kindness, and historical context provide valuable lessons for teens. However, parental discretion is advised for younger teenagers due to scenes of peril and emotional intensity. Mature teens will likely appreciate the film’s moral depth and historical significance, making it a worthwhile watch with appropriate guidance.
Language and Profanity
“News of the World” contains mild profanity, including one use of the s-word and other milder expletives. The language is not excessive but may warrant parental awareness for younger viewers.
Use of Profanity in the Film
The film features mild profanity, including one use of the s-word and occasional milder expletives like “dn” and “h.” God’s name is misused five times, with “dn” used in four instances. While the language is not excessive, it may still warrant parental discretion for younger viewers. The profanity is scattered throughout the film, often reflecting the characters’ stress or frustration. It is not gratuitous but serves to add authenticity to the dialogue and settings. Parents should be aware of these elements when deciding if the film is suitable for their children.
Mild vs. Strong Language
The film primarily uses mild language, with occasional stronger words like “hell” and “damn.” Profanity is not frequent but appears in moments of tension or conflict. Stronger language, such as the s-word, is used sparingly and not excessively. The dialogue reflects the period and characters’ emotions without resorting to graphic or prolonged profanity. Parents should note that while the language is generally mild, there are instances that may not be suitable for all younger audiences, particularly those sensitive to even mild swear words or religious exclamations. This balance makes the film more accessible while maintaining authenticity.
Parental Discretion Advised
“News of the World” carries a PG-13 rating, suggesting parental discretion due to its mature themes, violence, and emotional intensity. While the film avoids graphic gore, scenes of Western violence, shootings, and fistfights may unsettle younger or sensitive viewers. Themes of racial tension, loss, and historical brutality add depth but could require discussion with children. Mild profanity and brief suggestive content are present but not pervasive. Parents should assess their child’s sensitivity to intense moments and complex themes before viewing, ensuring they are prepared for the film’s emotional and sometimes unsettling elements.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking
The film depicts mild alcohol consumption, with characters occasionally drinking in taverns or social settings. Drugs and smoking are not prominently featured, keeping the content manageable for younger audiences.
Depiction of Alcohol Consumption
In News of the World, alcohol consumption is portrayed mildly, with characters occasionally drinking in taverns or social settings. These scenes are not excessive or glorified, reflecting the period’s cultural norms. While alcohol use is present, it does not dominate the storyline or contribute to major plot points. The film avoids depicting heavy drunkenness or negative consequences associated with alcohol abuse, keeping the content moderate and suitable for younger audiences under parental guidance. This subtle portrayal aligns with the film’s PG-13 rating and historical context.
Drugs and Smoking Scenes
The film News of the World does not depict any explicit drug use or scenes involving illegal substances. Smoking is occasionally shown, reflecting the era’s common practices, but these moments are minimal and not central to the plot. The portrayal of smoking is subtle and not glorified, fitting the historical context without promoting or emphasizing such behavior. Parents should note that these elements are mild and do not overshadow the film’s themes of redemption and humanity. The absence of drug-related content makes this aspect of the film relatively harmless for younger viewers under parental guidance.
Messages About Substance Abuse
News of the World subtly addresses substance abuse through its portrayal of alcohol consumption, reflecting the historical context of the 1870s American West. While no explicit drug use is shown, the film implies the negative consequences of excessive drinking, such as impaired judgment and recklessness. These scenes are not glorified but rather presented as part of the characters’ struggles, offering a cautionary message. The film’s approach to substance abuse aligns with its broader themes of redemption and personal responsibility, providing a realistic yet non-explicit depiction suitable for discussions about the dangers of substance misuse.
Frightening and Intense Scenes
News of the World features moments of peril, including intense chases, confrontations, and emotional tension. These scenes, while not excessively graphic, may unsettle sensitive viewers, especially children.
Peril and Tense Moments
The film features several intense and suspenseful scenes, including chases, confrontations, and emotional confrontations. These moments create tension and may be unsettling for younger or sensitive viewers. The perilous journey of the characters, navigating dangerous landscapes and hostile encounters, adds to the dramatic intensity. While not overly graphic, these scenes are emotionally charged and may require parental discretion for children prone to anxiety or fright. The film’s ability to balance action with emotional depth makes these moments impactful but not excessively violent or disturbing.
Emotional Intensity in the Storyline
The narrative of “News of the World” carries profound emotional weight, exploring themes of loss, redemption, and human connection. The protagonist’s journey with the young girl delves into their shared traumas and gradual bonding, evoking strong feelings of empathy and hope. Scenes of separation, reunions, and personal growth are deeply moving, making the story resonate emotionally with audiences. While these elements enrich the film, they may be overwhelming for younger viewers, necessitating parental guidance to help process the complex emotions portrayed.
Guidance for Sensitive Viewers
Parents should exercise caution with sensitive viewers due to the film’s emotional and violent scenes. While not excessively graphic, moments of peril, shootings, and fistfights may unsettle young or emotionally vulnerable audiences. The story’s themes of loss, trauma, and redemption are poignant and may require post-viewing discussions. Sensitive viewers should watch with parental accompaniment to process the film’s intense emotional and violent content. The movie’s artistic value and historical context are significant, but discretion is advised for those easily disturbed by such elements.
Thematic Material and Messages
“News of the World” explores themes of race, redemption, and humanity, delving into the cruelties of Westward expansion and the brutal treatment of indigenous populations, offering historical depth.
Racial and Cultural Themes
“News of the World” delves into racial and cultural tensions, highlighting the harsh treatment of indigenous populations and African Americans in post-Civil War Texas. The film portrays the violence and displacement faced by Native communities, offering a somber reflection on historical injustices. Tom Hanks’ character, though flawed, shows empathy and respect for diverse cultures, emphasizing the importance of understanding and coexistence; The story of a young girl raised by Native Americans further explores identity and belonging, making it a poignant commentary on cultural clashes and resilience during a turbulent era in American history.
Historical Context and Accuracy
“News of the World” is set in 1870s Texas, a tumultuous period following the Civil War. The film captures the era’s racial tensions, violence, and societal rebuilding. It accurately portraysthe displacement and mistreatment of Native Americans and African Americans, reflecting the harsh realities of the time. The story aligns with historical records of post-war reconstruction and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. While some artistic liberties are taken, the film remains grounded in its historical setting, offering a poignant reflection of America’s complex past and the struggles of its people during a pivotal moment in history.
Moral and Ethical Lessons
“News of the World” delivers powerful moral and ethical lessons through its narrative. The film highlights themes of redemption, humanity, and kindness, as Captain Kidd’s journey with Johanna transforms him and teaches him the value of responsibility and compassion. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy, particularly in a divided society. The story also explores the ethical dilemmas of violence and justice, encouraging viewers to reflect on the consequences of their actions. These lessons provide a meaningful framework for discussions about morality, forgiveness, and the strength of human connection in overcoming adversity.
Suitability for Children
“News of the World” is rated PG-13, making it suitable for older children. Parents should use discretion due to violence, mature themes, and mild language. Guidance recommended.
Age Recommendations
“News of the World” is rated PG-13, suggesting it is suitable for viewers aged 13 and above. However, parental discretion is advised for younger teens due to mature themes, mild violence, and some disturbing images. The film’s historical context and emotional depth make it more appropriate for older children who can understand its complex narrative and handle scenes of peril or brief violence. Children under 13 may find certain moments unsettling, so parents are encouraged to accompany and guide younger viewers to ensure a positive and age-appropriate experience.
Guidance for Younger Viewers
While “News of the World” is rated PG-13, younger viewers may need guidance due to its mature themes and emotional intensity. Parents should consider their child’s sensitivity to scenes involving mild violence, disturbing images, and peril. The film’s historical context and complex storytelling may require explanation for younger audiences. It is advisable for parents to watch the film with children under 16 to address any questions or concerns. Discussing the themes of race, redemption, and resilience can help younger viewers gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the story’s meaningful messages and historical significance.
Parental Discretion and Oversight
Parents are encouraged to exercise discretion when allowing younger children to watch “News of the World”. The film contains scenes of mild violence, brief strong language, and emotionally intense moments that may unsettle sensitive viewers. While the PG-13 rating suggests suitability for teens, oversight is recommended for children under 13. Discussing the film’s themes, such as race and redemption, with younger audiences can help them understand the context and emotional depth. Co-viewing is advised to address any questions or concerns, ensuring a positive and educational experience for younger viewers while fostering a deeper connection to the story’s meaningful messages and historical significance.
Positive Aspects of the Film
“News of the World” offers strong moral values, showcasing integrity, kindness, and resilience. It provides historical education and uplifts with themes of redemption and humanity, making it a meaningful watch for mature audiences.
Strong Moral Values
“News of the World” emphasizes strong moral values through its narrative, highlighting themes of redemption, kindness, and integrity. Captain Kidd, played by Tom Hanks, embodies selflessness by risking his life to reunite a young girl with her family. His commitment to truth and education, as he shares news with isolated communities, underscores the importance of empathy and responsibility. The film’s portrayal of moral courage and compassion fosters a positive message about the power of doing what is right, even in challenging circumstances. These values make it a meaningful choice for viewers seeking inspiring stories.
Positive Role Models
Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, portrayed by Tom Hanks, is a compelling positive role model in “News of the World”. His selfless dedication to delivering the news and reuniting a young girl with her family highlights integrity and compassion. Kidd’s patience, kindness, and commitment to truth resonate strongly, teaching audiences about the importance of empathy and responsibility. His journey also showcases resilience and moral courage, making him an inspiring figure for viewers of all ages. The film’s focus on his ethical choices and heartfelt actions reinforces the value of kindness and doing what is right, even in difficult times.
Historical Education
“News of the World” offers a glimpse into the post-Civil War era, exploring themes of racial tension, Reconstruction, and the challenges of frontier life. The film provides insight into the experiences of marginalized groups, including Native Americans and freed slaves, highlighting the harsh realities of the time. By depicting the era’s social and cultural struggles, the movie serves as a valuable educational tool for understanding this period in American history. Its attention to historical detail and nuanced portrayal of complex issues make it a compelling resource for learning about the nation’s past and its ongoing impact on society today.
“News of the World” is a thought-provoking film with a PG-13 rating, addressing mature themes and violence. It offers historical insights, making it a valuable watch for older audiences with parental guidance.
Final Thoughts for Parents
Parents should carefully consider their child’s sensitivity before allowing them to watch “News of the World.” While the film does not contain explicit sexual content or nudity, it does depict Western violence, including shootings and fistfights, which may be unsettling for younger viewers. Additionally, the movie addresses mature themes such as race and the brutalities of history, which could require post-viewing discussions. The PG-13 rating suggests that parental discretion is advised, especially for children under the age of thirteen, as some scenes may be too intense or emotionally challenging for them to handle alone.
Overall Assessment
“News of the World” is a thought-provoking Western drama that balances emotional depth with historical context. While it contains some violence and mature themes, the film’s strong moral values and uplifting message make it a worthwhile watch for older children and teenagers. Parents should use discretion, especially for younger viewers, due to scenes of peril and brief strong language. The movie’s themes of redemption and humanity provide opportunities for meaningful discussions, making it a solid choice for families seeking a film with substance and historical relevance.
Recommendation for Viewing
“News of the World” is recommended for mature audiences and older teenagers due to its thoughtful storytelling and historical depth. Parents should accompany younger viewers to guide them through intense scenes and complex themes. The film’s emotional resonance and moral lessons make it a valuable watch, though discretion is advised for sensitive children. With its PG-13 rating, it strikes a balance between engaging drama and manageable maturity, offering a meaningful cinematic experience for families seeking a blend of history and heart.