The Tolkien biopic received its fair share of negative press before heading to cinemas. JRR Tolkien’s estate disavowed the movie, saying it did not approve of the unauthorised biopic. Nevertheless, the film – with a formidable cast – headed to cinemas in the UK on Friday, May 10, 2019.
What is the age rating for Tolkien?
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rates Tolkien at 12A.
A 12A rating means a film may: “contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12.
“No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult.
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“Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child.”
The BBFC cites moderate war violence as the reason behind its rating.
There are some details below of specific scenes in Tolkien, so if you want to go in wholly unspoiled do not read below.
They wrote: “Scenes of wartime violence depict men falling down from shootings and passing out from gas poisoning.”
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Specifically, the BBFC also includes the “brief sight of a man on fire.”
“Images of WW1 trenches show piles of dead soldiers; however, these are undetailed with no sight of injury.
“There is mild bad language including ‘bloody hell’, ‘sod’, ‘moron’ and ‘bastard’.
“A scene of fantasy threat shows a soldier imagine a fire breathing dragon on a battlefield.
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“There are verbal references to a woman who is seen leaving a man’s room at night.”
The movie’s plot reads: “Tolkien explores the formative years of the renowned author’s life as he finds friendship, courage and inspiration among a fellow group of writers and artists at school.
“Their brotherhood strengthens as they grow up and weather love and loss together, including Tolkien’s tumultuous courtship of his beloved Edith Bratt, until the outbreak of the First World War which threatens to tear their fellowship apart.
“All of these experiences would later inspire Tolkien to write his famous Middle-earth novels.”
Tolkien is now playing in cinemas.