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Paper Tiger poster

Paper Tiger

Movie 2026 115 min Crime, Drama, Thriller Last reviewed 23 Sep 2026
Official Rating R ClearAge 15+

No Australia rating available — showing United States

Why our age differs

Official is R. We say 15+ because the language and mob threats are adult, and a teen is put in clear on-screen peril. The violence is scary more than gory

What we flagged

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Violence
Moderate
Frightening
Moderate
Language
Strong

Our take

Two brothers get pulled into a Russian-mob money scheme in late-80s New York, and the pressure lands on the whole household. Strong language, intimidation, a punched-face assault and a knife held to a teenage son's face all feature. A home break-in that photographs the family asleep keeps the dread high. Fine with a parent from 15.

Uplifting themes

Family loyalty matters, until greed and fear start tearing it apart A decent dad wants security for his kids, then makes awful choices under pressure

Story (may spoil tone)

Two brothers become entangled in a scheme that turns out to be too good to be true. As they try to navigate their way through the dangerous world of the Russian mafia, family bonds begin to fray with life-altering consequences.

What we flagged

View all categories

Violence
Moderate
Frightening
Moderate
Language
Strong

Details

Violence Moderate A face punch, knife threats and mob intimidation; more menace than bloo…

A face punch, knife threats and mob intimidation; more menace than bloodbath

Language Strong Strong language is a big part of the adult tone, with frequent harsh sw…

Strong language is a big part of the adult tone, with frequent harsh swearing

Frightening Moderate Home invasion dread and a knife held close to a teen keep nerves tight

Home invasion dread and a knife held close to a teen keep nerves tight

Child peril / abuse Moderate Teenage sons sit in the car while a knife is held to one boy's face

Teenage sons sit in the car while a knife is held to one boy's face

Gore / death / weapons Mild A stiletto and fist violence show up; injury detail stays limited

A stiletto and fist violence show up; injury detail stays limited

Dangerous behaviour Mild Criminal money schemes and weapon threats are not for kids to copy

Criminal money schemes and weapon threats are not for kids to copy

Flashing lights We do not have enough information about flashing lights for this versio…

We do not have enough information about flashing lights for this version to confidently confirm.

Talk after watching

  • When does protecting family mean walking away from a get-rich plan?
  • How would you talk about a scene where a teen is threatened with a knife?