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Thor: The Dark World poster

Thor: The Dark World

Parents guide · ClearAge age 13+ · Official M

Movie 2013 112 min Action, Adventure, Fantasy Reviewed by Dan S · Checked 14 Nov 2014
Official Rating M ClearAge 13+

Why our age differs

Official is M. We say 13 because the fantasy fighting is heavy but bloodless and the swearing is mild, with a sad loss and dark tone that suit a parent watching along

What we flagged

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Violence
Moderate
Sex and Nudity
Mild
Frightening
Moderate
Language
Mild

Our take

Thor returns to battle an ancient race of dark elves set on plunging the universe into darkness, and the fight soon costs his family dearly. The action is large and frequent, with swords, energy blasts, and looming enemies, but it stays bloodless. Language is mild and romance is gentle. There is real sadness here too, so younger or sensitive viewers may want a parent close by

Uplifting themes

Sacrifice, loyalty, and putting others before yourself sit at the heart of the story. Characters give up a great deal to protect people they love. There is plenty here worth talking about afterwards Thor grows steadier and more selfless, and Jane stays curious and brave as a scientist. Not everyone is trustworthy, which gives families something to weigh up. The leads mostly model courage and care

Story (may spoil tone)

Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos… but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

What we flagged

View all categories

Violence
Moderate
Sex and Nudity
Mild
Frightening
Moderate
Language
Mild

Details

Violence Moderate Big fantasy clashes fill the film, with swords, energy weapons, invadin…

Big fantasy clashes fill the film, with swords, energy weapons, invading dark elves, and a city-wrecking final battle. People and creatures are struck down and a major character is killed. It is forceful but kept free of real gore

Language Mild Swearing is light, with the odd hell or damn and a bit of grumbling bet…

Swearing is light, with the odd hell or damn and a bit of grumbling between brothers. Nothing sharp or sustained turns up. Most families will barely clock it

Sex / nudity Mild Romance is gentle, mostly a reunion and a kiss between Thor and Jane. O…

Romance is gentle, mostly a reunion and a kiss between Thor and Jane. One eccentric scientist turns up with no clothes on in a non-sexual, played-for-laughs moment. Nothing explicit is shown

Frightening Moderate The dark elves and their masked brute are genuinely menacing, and the t…

The dark elves and their masked brute are genuinely menacing, and the tone is darker than most Marvel outings. Shadowy attacks, a grim villain, and sudden danger build real tension. Sensitive younger viewers may find parts of it unsettling

Gore / death / weapons Mild Swords, spears, and energy guns are used throughout and several charact…

Swords, spears, and energy guns are used throughout and several characters die. Blood is barely shown, so the focus stays on the clash itself more than on wounds

Mental health Mild One scientist is shown having unravelled after earlier events, behaving…

One scientist is shown having unravelled after earlier events, behaving erratically and spending time in care. It is partly comic but nods to a real struggle. Parents can use it to talk about looking after your mind

Grief / bereavement Moderate A beloved member of Thor's family is killed and later farewelled in a m…

A beloved member of Thor's family is killed and later farewelled in a moving funeral. The loss hangs over the second half and drives several characters. It is handled with weight and may hit younger kids hard

Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

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0/280

Talk after watching

  • The story deals with losing someone close. How does your family like to talk about grief?
  • Loki keeps switching between enemy and ally. What makes a character hard to trust?