The much awaited PG-13 movie The Firing Squad is scheduled to open on August 2, 2024. The Motion Picture Association (MPA) gave this film a rating that denotes the presence of drug references, theme elements, and brief violent scenes. The rating helps viewers—parents in particular—determine whether the movie is appropriate for a given age group. However, how exactly is this rating determined, and why is The Firing Squad categorized in this manner?
Thematic Elements
The Firing Squad’s examination of mature and intense thematic elements is the main factor contributing to its PG-13 rating. The movie is based on the true account of three Christian inmates in a third-world nation who were scheduled to be executed by firing squad. As such, it explores topics of faith, bravery, and the ability of the human spirit to persevere in the face of difficulty in great detail. The story presents a dramatic and poignant depiction of the prisoners’ final days as it confronts the harsh realities of life and death.
The film’s emphasis on such weighty subjects is meant to elicit contemplation and thought from viewers. However, younger viewers may not be prepared to handle such deep and difficult subject matter, and this intensity may be too much for them. The film’s content may be more suitable for older teens and adults, as the PG-13 rating informs parents and guardians.
Drug References
The presence of drug references is another element that goes into the PG-13 classification. Drug usage is depicted in The Firing Squad in a way that emphasizes the hopeless and depressing circumstances that surround the characters. References are not meant to glorify or support drug use; rather, they highlight the harsh circumstances of the prison camp and the moral decline experienced by certain characters.
Even though drug use is not a major plot point, the presence of these references justifies the PG-13 rating because they add to the movie’s overall mature tone. The brief depiction of drug-related content is present and should be noted by parents, especially if they have younger children.
Brief Violence
Another factor contributing to the film’s PG-13 rating is the few violent scenes it has. The Firing Squad is primarily about the execution of prisoners, so scenes that show this process are naturally dramatic and gory. The depiction of execution scenes and the brutal treatment of inmates is essential to the plot, even though the movie does not focus too much on violence.
The film’s brief depiction of violence aims to capture the characters’ experiences of brutality and severity in real life. It increases the impact of the story and highlights how dire the prisoners’ situation really is. Nonetheless, the way these scenes are handled in the movie is meant to have an impact without being overly dramatic, which supports the PG-13 rating.
The mature and intense subject matter of The Firing Squad, which includes thematic elements, drug references, and brief violence, is reflected in the film’s PG-13 rating. This rating is meant to help viewers determine whether or not the movie is appropriate for various age groups. The film seeks to offer a compelling and thought-provoking experience by tackling deep themes and including elements that mirror the harsh reality of its setting. Like with any movie, these are things to think about when parents and guardians are determining if The Firing Squad is suitable for their kids.
