What we flagged
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Our take
Serpico follows an honest detective who refuses to join the corruption around him. The pressure builds through threats and betrayal before the shootings hit. Strong swearing, drug dealing, sexual material and a gritty adult world make this an 18+ choice for us.
Uplifting themes
Honesty and doing the right thing, even when everyone around you says no, are the heart of the story. It shows what standing alone can cost The hero keeps his integrity under heavy pressure, which is rare in his world. His personal life suffers, and he is not an easy man to live with A good starting point for talking about police corruption, whistle-blowing, and how institutions protect themselves. It is based on a real case from the 1970s
Story (may spoil tone)
New York cop Frank Serpico blows the whistle on the rampant corruption in the force only to have his comrades turn against him.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Shootings, a gun held to a head, and rough arrests happen in realistic,…
Shootings, a gun held to a head, and rough arrests happen in realistic, uneasy scenes. A wounded man is shown bleeding, and threats of being killed hang over the hero for much of the film
Language The f-word comes up often, along with the s-word and crude insults abou…
The f-word comes up often, along with the s-word and crude insults about sex. Cops, criminals, and bystanders all swear freely in tense arguments and casual talk
Sex / nudity The hero has sexual relationships, with bedroom scenes and brief partia…
The hero has sexual relationships, with bedroom scenes and brief partial nudity. Cops and criminals make crude sex jokes, while prostitution and sex-for-favours are part of the corruption story
Drugs / alcohol Marijuana is passed around at parties, heroin dealing is part of the po…
Marijuana is passed around at parties, heroin dealing is part of the police work, and bribes tie into narcotics. Alcohol is also a regular part of social scenes
Frightening Paranoia and betrayal build as the hero realises who he can trust. A fe…
Paranoia and betrayal build as the hero realises who he can trust. A few sudden ambushes and angry confrontations keep the mood tense and uneasy
Sexual violence A possible rape in progress is called in over the police radio early on…
A possible rape in progress is called in over the police radio early on, and another short mention follows. Nothing is shown on screen
Bullying / discrimination Fellow officers freeze Serpico out, mock his beard and habits, and call…
Fellow officers freeze Serpico out, mock his beard and habits, and call him names. Homophobic and anti-hippie remarks also come up
Gore / death / weapons A face wound and a bloody injury are shown clearly, and guns are drawn…
A face wound and a bloody injury are shown clearly, and guns are drawn and used in several scenes. The blood looks realistic, though the camera does not dwell on it
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- Serpico keeps telling the truth even when it costs him friends and safety. What would make it hard for you to speak up against people you work with?
- Why do you think so many officers looked the other way instead of reporting what they saw?
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Serpico
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