Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
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Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood is a 2019 comedy-drama film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, set in Los Angeles in 1969. The movie follows a fading television actor, Rick Dalton, and his longtime stunt double, Cliff Booth, as they navigate the rapidly changing film industry and the end of Hollywood's Golden Age. Their stories intertwine with that of actress Sharon Tate, who has moved in next door to Rick. The film captures a specific moment in time with meticulous detail, exploring themes of celebrity, friendship, and the counterculture movement, against the backdrop of the infamous Manson family. The movie is rated R and contains strong graphic violence, pervasive language, drug use, and sexual references, making it suitable for mature high schoolers and above.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains strong graphic violence, including an extended scene of violence involving a dog attack, an attack with a flamethrower, and fighting with a lot of blood shown, ending in the death of three people. Other scenes depict staged violence from movie productions, such as individuals being shot and falling from roofs, and fistfights. A man's face is shown as 'very bloody, nose and teeth' after being punched repeatedly.
The MPAA rated the film R for 'some strong graphic violence'. Specific scenes include 'an extended scene of violence ending in the death of three people that includes a dog attack, an attack with a flamethrower and fighting with a lot of blood shown'. A character is punched three times, resulting in a 'very bloody face, nose and teeth'. There are also 'staged violence' scenes, including individuals being shot and falling from roofs, and fistfights.
Profanity
The film features pervasive and constant use of strong profanity. Sources estimate approximately 190 swear words throughout the film, including frequent uses of the 'F-word,' scatological curses, and terms of deity. The profanity is described as 'severe' by the rating body.
Substance Use
Characters are frequently depicted drinking alcohol and smoking. The film also features drug use, with characters taking 'hard drugs,' which is connected to the Manson family hippies. Drug use is a significant element, contributing to the R rating.
Scary & Intense Content
The film contains high levels of scary and intense content, primarily due to its strong graphic violence and the underlying threat of the Manson family. The narrative builds tension leading to violent confrontations, including brutal attacks and murders, which can be traumatic for viewers.
Disrespect & Rebellion
The film prominently features themes of disrespect and rebellion through the portrayal of the Manson family, a group of hippies who reject conventional society and engage in behavior that is deliberately defiant and ultimately violent. Their actions serve as a central plot element demonstrating extreme defiance.
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Romance and Sexual Content
While there is no graphic nudity or explicit sexual content shown, the film contains several sexual references and suggestive elements. These include an offer of oral sex by a teenage girl to an older man (which is declined due to her age), implied nudity of a woman in bed, and women in skimpy 'Bunny' costumes at the Playboy Mansion.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film does not explicitly feature any LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. While some viewers have interpreted 'homoerotic undertones' in the close relationship between the two male leads, this is presented as commentary or subtext rather than explicit content within the film. One review noted the absence of gay characters.
Witchcraft & Occult
There is no explicit depiction of witchcraft, magic rituals, or occult practices within the film. While the plot involves the Manson family, whose ideology could be considered cult-like, the content does not delve into supernatural or magical occult themes as defined.
Anti-Christian Themes
No explicit anti-Christian themes, mockery of Christian beliefs, sacrilegious acts, or criticism of Christianity were found within the film's content based on the provided search results.
From a Christian worldview, "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" presents a challenging landscape. The core themes revolve around the fading glory of an era, the search for relevance, and the clash between traditional Hollywood and the burgeoning counterculture, epitomized by the Manson family. The film does not explicitly promote or contradict biblical values, but its pervasive violence, profanity, and sexual references are in direct opposition to Christian principles of purity, respect, and peace. Characters often operate with a relativistic morality, where vices like heavy drinking, drug use, and violence are present without clear moral accountability or consequences within the narrative framework, especially for the main protagonists who are largely rewarded for their actions, even violent ones. The worldview presented leans heavily towards a materialistic and relativistic view of life, focusing on earthly success, fame, and transient pleasures. There are no overt themes of redemption, sacrifice, or grace; instead, the resolution is often driven by violent retribution rather than forgiveness or reconciliation. Family values are not a central focus, and authority figures are either absent, ineffective, or challenged, particularly by the rebellious counterculture figures. Faith representation is absent; there are no explicit depictions of Christian faith, either positive or negative. For Christian parents, the film's content necessitates careful consideration, especially regarding its graphic violence, abundant profanity, and morally ambiguous portrayals of characters and their actions.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
R-rated, suitable for mature high schoolers (17+) due to pervasive strong language, graphic violence, drug use, and sexual references. The MPAA explicitly states it's for ages 17 and above, or younger with a parent or adult.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that this is a Quentin Tarantino film, known for its distinct style that includes stylized violence, extensive profanity, and mature themes. The film's historical setting in 1969 Los Angeles, including its depiction of the Manson family, contributes to its intense and adult content. The movie is a blend of fact and fiction, presenting an altered history.
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