The plot might be confusing to younger kids
Tools for this page
State of Play
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Mature, well-acted thriller mixes violence and politics.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–17
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About State of Play
Parents need to know that this Russell Crowe/Ben Affleck thriller is a mix of violence, political intrigue, and sexual innuendo -- all mature themes that are unlikely to appeal to young viewers. Characters steal, drink, smoke, and lie to the point where it's unclear who's the victim and who's the victimizer. There's some strong language (including a couple exclamations of "f--k"), drinking, and smoking as well. Sexuality is more discussed (including conversations about adultery and three-ways) than shown, except for some flirting between a couple of characters.
Read our full review by Sandie Angulo Chen
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the movie's message about the relationship between the media and politics. Do you think real-life politicians try to deceive the press -- and that real life reporters pretend and sometimes outright lie to get a scoop?
- Teens: Do you and your friends rely more on the Internet than on print for news? Do you think newspapers are a sinking ship (as depicted in the movie)?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
Confusing
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
This was a fast paced political thriller.
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
some shootings(but the movies plot revolves around a murder.),a little bit of sexual dialouge,and suprising theres a fair persentage of strong language and if your kids can handel mature story than you good to go!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
politically mature teens will love it; others may get lost
great story line; makes viewers think; good acting; nothing over the edge for teens; younger teens may not follow storyline well enough to enjoy the film but content is not offensive or over the edge even for 11 year olds.
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
Teens Would Love It If They Gave It a Chance
Mature plot, but nothing graphic. The acting is great and the story is sensational. Great twist at the end.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Not Terrible
Good Movie. Nothing too offensive.
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
Suprisingly not graphic
I was surprised to see that there was hardly any sex and violence in this film. It was discussed and briefly shown but not graphically. Nor was it dwelled upon for ratings, which unfortunately is not too common in today’s thriller movies.
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
Intellectual
This is more of an intellectual thriller than a really violent one which I and my 14 year old appreciated. For example initial murder happens off screen and a the plot driver rather than the main event. Plot twists will be beyond most younger tweens. While characters have made some "morally ambiguous choices" I think it is OK to start teaching teens that life is not always black and white. The message is making the best choice available, telling the truth even when it's hard, doing the "right" thing and really considering your base motives for your actions. Acting was great by everybody.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you seen it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
