The Irishman is hitting cinemas this month, and fans of renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese are desperate to watch it. With a staggering runtime of three and a half hours, The Irishman is one of the most epic movies of 2019. Many young people will want their slice of the Scorsese action – but is it suitable for teenagers?
How old do you have to be to watch The Irishman?
According to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) the certificate for The Irishman is a 15.
This means those under 15 are not permitted to see the film in cinemas.
Of course, the movie will be available on Netflix, but the streaming service has parental controls available so parents can ensure their children under 15 are not able to see the movie.
According to the BBFC, the certification was decided upon for a variety of factors, which they list to help parents work out how suitable the film may be.
In its ratings information, the BBFC states: “There are some shootings, with blood spurts and bloody impacts visible.
“Two men are strangled while seated in cars.
“A man is beaten up in the street, with kicks to the head and his hand broken by being stamped on.
“There is strong language.
“The film also includes discriminatory language, including ‘wop’, ‘guinea’ and ‘fairy’, as well as anti-Semitic attitudes.”
Is the film suitable for teenagers?
As the rating states, those who are under 15 should not see The Irishman.
However, for those over the age of 15, parents should consider whether any of the detail given by the BBFC may cause concern for their own children.
In some cases, parents may wish to see the film first before allowing their kids to see it, however with a running time as hefty as this one, some parents may find that quite the ask.
The film will be available on Netflix from November 22, so parents are are unsure can turn on parental controls to stop their kids from being able to watch the film without them.
What is The Irishman about?
The Irishman follows Frank Sheeran (played by Robert De Niro,) a Philadelphia truck driver who becomes involved in the mob and union politics.
In the film, based on a book which claims to include confessions from Sheeran himself, Sheeran becomes closely involved with union boss Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino) who went missing in July 1975 and was never found.
As well as Hoffa, Sheeran is also involved with known gangsters Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) and Angelo Bruno (Harvey Keitel.)
Scorsese chronicles the later life of Sheeran, and how his crimes, which he allegedly confessed to, affected his relationships as he got older.
The Irishman is in cinemas on November 8 and on Netflix on November 22