Star Wars Episode 3

[diddy]

I can't take my 9 year old son to see this as it is classified a 12A. Does anyone who has seen the film think this classification is justified? Is it really more violent or menacing than the other films? 

[Loosehead]

Yes you can, I took my 9 year old son yesterday. 12A means that anyone under 12 must be accompanied, you are thinking of 12. See Here:Odeon

[Loosehead]

That didn't come out right, try here: http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

[gerry]

I'm pretty sure diddy that as long as they are with an adult they will be allowed to see it.I went last Saturday to see the movie & there were kids there that were there under the age of 12 & they were with adults.So i don't see it being a problem.That was at the UGC cinema.

[diddy]

thank you - I misinterpreted the classification completely! I'll give him the good news.

[LeMarchand]

As others have said, you can take him to see it - but to answer the main part of your question: you are the only person who can really judge if it's suitable. I work in a primary school where many of the children have seen films like "The Exorcist" and whose parents regularly let them watch 15 and 18 certificated movies, so my personal views might be a bit out of date. However, I feel that the rating was justified for one particular scene - in which one of the heroes watches another character (who has had various limbs chopped off) burn.

I would imagine that most 9 year olds have seen far worse, though, so it really depends on how sensitive your son is. Congratulations on showing such concern over his viewing, by the way.

Mme LeMarchand disagrees and says to wait until it comes out to rent and then you can skip past the offending scene as she feels that the scene is too strong.

[LeMarchand]

As others have said, it's OK to take him if you or another responsible adult accompanies. As to whether it's suitable: I'd say probably, as most kids these days seem to have seen far worse - though one scene does feature one character watching another (who has had various limbs chopped off) burn. Mme LeMarchand disagrees and thinks the scene is totally unsuitable and you should wait to rent the DVD so you can skip past the offending scene.

Congratulations on showing such concern for your son's viewing, by the way.

[LeMarchand]

Grrr: I hate it when it looks as if it's lost your answer and then you type a replacement, only to have both show.

ABEd, feel free to delete one.

[diddy]

Thank you Le Marchand - I think at 9 I would have been very upset at such a scene (I was upset as an adult by a similar scene in The Name of the Rose). You're right thought that he has probably seen worse and is a bit immune to that sort of thing - rather sad really. I'll have a think about it.

[MargeB]

Diddy, I would be cautious. You run the risk, however small, of your child growing up to be a nerd as a result. Would any parent wish this?

[QmunkE]

It is indeed more menacing and graphic than the other five films, but I don't think your son would be scarred for life by the experience.

[EssJay1]

Go and see it. Allow your son the chance to hide behind your arm at the scary bits. It's a well made film and apart from the scene mentioned above, there's one where some "younglings" get attacked - but, in true George Lucas style, a lot is left to your imagination. The film needs to be seen on a big screen. Take the risk.