Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a science fiction action film that continues the iconic franchise many generations after the events of "War for the Planet of the Apes." Set 300 years after the death of Caesar, the movie depicts a world where ape civilizations have diversified into various clans, and humans have largely regressed to a feral state. The narrative follows Noa, a young chimpanzee hunter, whose peaceful clan is violently disrupted, leading him on a transformative journey. The film explores themes of leadership, legacy, freedom, and the evolving dynamic between apes and the remnants of humanity. As Noa encounters new societies, advanced technology, and a mysterious human woman named Mae, he is forced to question the history he's been taught and make choices that will shape the future for both species. With a runtime of approximately 145 minutes, the movie is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense sequences of sci-fi violence/action and some mature thematic elements, making it most suitable for older teens and adults.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe movie contains frequent and intense sequences of science fiction violence and action, including brutal physical altercations, use of weapons, and deaths. Depictions include graphic fights, stabbings, shootings, and drowning, with some visual detail of injuries.
Sylva's ape raiders violently attack Noa's village, setting it ablaze, throwing spears, and showing dead apes on the ground, one with a knife in its back. Noa's father, Koro, is brutally beaten and killed by Sylva using an electric prod during a confrontation. Later, a human character is killed via a chokehold in self-defense, and an ape is shot in the chest, showing a small bloody bullet wound. Many apes are also seen being swept away and drowning in a powerful flood following an explosion.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film features numerous scary and intense scenes, contributing to its PG-13 rating. These include prolonged sequences of peril, graphic violence, death of characters, and disturbing imagery related to ape dominance and human regression.
The attack on Noa's village is highly intense, depicting fire, destruction, capture, and the violent death of his father, Koro. Characters frequently face life-threatening situations, such as Raka being swept away and drowning in a fast-flowing river, and apes being hunted and captured with electric weapons and nets. The visual depiction of aggressive, intelligent apes dominating feral humans can be unsettling and frightening for younger audiences.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film does not contain explicit LGBTQ+ characters or themes. However, discussions from media critics and fan communities suggest an interpretation of the character Raka as potentially gay, based on subtle dialogue and physical characteristics. This is an implied rather than explicitly stated aspect of the character.
Raka, a wise orangutan, refers to a former companion by stating, "He was my village," in a context that some viewers and critics interpret as an expression of love for a male partner. Additionally, online discussions point to Raka being a male orangutan without developed 'flanges' (cheek pads common in dominant male orangutans), suggesting a non-dominant, potentially coded, representation alongside his dialogue.
Profanity
MediumThe movie includes a limited amount of coarse language, specifically the expletive "shit." There is also an instance of an implied swear word conveyed through ape sign language.
The word "shit" is used explicitly three times in the film's dialogue. Additionally, an ape character uses sign language to convey an implied swear word, though the action is shown with the character's back to the camera.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumDisrespect and rebellion are central themes, particularly through Noa's journey of challenging oppressive authority. The antagonist, Proximus Caesar, also represents a form of rebellion by twisting the original teachings of Caesar for tyrannical rule.
Noa's entire character arc involves rebelling against the tyrannical rule of Proximus Caesar, who has enslaved his clan and perverted the foundational principles of ape society. Proximus Caesar himself demonstrates rebellion by reinterpreting and weaponizing the revered teachings of Caesar for personal power and control, compelling other apes to work as slaves to uncover human technology.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe film contains minimal romantic content, limited to implied affection and mild physical gestures. There is no explicit sexual content, nudity, or strong sexual innuendo.
Noa has a childhood friend, Soona, who evolves into a romantic interest, with their relationship being implied through camaraderie and supportive actions. The movie includes brief instances of characters hugging and holding hands, and a verbal reference to "liking" another ape, which are mild expressions of affection without any explicit sexual context.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere are no elements of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, or supernatural phenomena depicted in the film. The narrative focuses on science fiction themes, ape societal structures, and survival.
The film does not feature characters engaging in magic rituals, spellcasting, summoning demons, or utilizing any form of supernatural powers. The plot is driven by conflicts over power, technology, and differing philosophies, devoid of occult themes.
Substance Use
LowThe movie contains no depictions or references to alcohol consumption, drug use, or smoking. There is no thematic focus on substance abuse or addiction.
Characters are not shown consuming alcoholic beverages, using illegal drugs, or smoking tobacco. The narrative does not include any dialogue or plot points related to substance use or addiction.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes, mockery, or sacrilegious content. It utilizes a quasi-religious reverence for the historical figure of Caesar within the ape society, which can be seen as a commentary on how ideologies or historical figures can be manipulated for power.
Caesar is revered as a 'Christ-like figure' within the ape society, with characters like Raka dedicated to preserving his 'enlightened ways.' This serves as a foundational mythology for the ape culture. Proximus Caesar's perversion of Caesar's original teachings to justify his tyrannical rule illustrates how a revered historical or ideological figure's message can be distorted for political gain, a thematic element that parallels real-world religious manipulation rather than directly targeting Christian beliefs.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parental guidance is recommended for children aged 11-12, and it is considered suitable for ages 13 and over. The MPAA rates the film PG-13 for "intense sequences of sci-fi violence/action." The film's dark sci-fi themes, frequent violent confrontations, and emotional intensity may be too disturbing or complex for younger viewers, with some reviewers suggesting it is unsuitable for children under 10.
Additional Notes
The film's exploration of societal collapse, the regression of humanity, and the rise of a new dominant species offers strong cautionary themes. Parents should be aware of the film's intense and sometimes dark nature, which is consistent with the tone of the modern Planet of the Apes franchise.
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