X Men: Dark Phoenix is heading to cinemas on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. Ahead of the origins story’s debut in cinemas, however, moviegoers like to know what they’re in for. More specifically, for young fans of the X Men saga, at what age is it appropriate to see Dark Phoenix.
What is the Dark Pheonix age rating?
According to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), the age certification for Dark Phoenix is 12A.
A 12A age rating means: “Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 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.
“Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child.”
Dark Phoenix, in particular, has moderate violence, bloody images, and infrequent strong language.
The strong language used includes words like f*** as well as milder bad language including uses of ‘s***’, ‘damn’, and ‘hell’.
The BBFC cited particular moments throughout the film, there are mild spoilers below.
The BBFC wrote: “There are scenes of impactful, but fantastical, violence in which mutants and aliens battle each other with a variety of powers.
“One battle features stabbings and neck-breaks, but without strong detail.
“A character is impaled on a wooden pole which results in bloody injury, which is also shown in the aftermath of a car crash.”
In America, the film is rated PG-13 which means: “Parents Strongly Cautioned – some material may be inappropriate for children under 13” according to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
The MPAA cited “intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action including some gunplay, disturbing images, and brief strong language”.
The official plot synopsis of Dark Phoenix reads: “This is the story of one of the X-Men’s most beloved characters, Jean Grey, as she evolves into the iconic Dark Phoenix.
“During a life-threatening rescue mission in space, Jean is hit by a cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants of all.
“Wrestling with this increasingly unstable power as well as her own personal demons, Jean spirals out of control, tearing the X-Men family apart and threatening to destroy the very fabric of our planet.
“The film is the most intense and emotional X-Men movie ever made. It is the culmination of 20 years of X-Men movies, as the family of mutants that we’ve come to know and love must face their most devastating enemy yet — one of their own.”
Dark Phoenix is out in UK cinemas on Wednesday, June 5, 2019.