Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this 1968 cop movie remains famous for its lengthy, white-knuckle chase scene through the streets of San Francisco. It's a no-nonsense, grown-up thriller with a focus on characters and details rather than action and suspense. Even though star Steve McQueen is still cool, and even though the car chase still works, some younger viewers may find the movie a bit dull. It does have some grisly shootings, with spurting blood and gory corpses. The main character and his girlfriend share some intimate scenes with no nudity, and there are a couple of choice swear words saved for the film's final sequence.
Sexual
Content
Bullitt and his girlfriend Cathy are seen in bed together, plus some flirting and kissing. She walks around wearing one of his shirts (with naked legs). In one shot, Bullitt stands in front of a strip club, and some suggestive photos can be seen on the wall behind him.
Violence
A few bloody, gruesome corpses, a tiny bit of spurting blood, and some chasing and shooting of guns. In one scene, a car explodes, and we briefly see burning bodies inside. A man brandishes a needle during one chase scene, but never uses it. Otherwise, there are some hospital and autopsy scenes that don't show anything but nonetheless come across as very realistic.
Language
Very infrequent language, but Bullitt uses "bulls--t" and "hell" during the final sequence. Otherwise, minor words such as "screwed up" and "castrated" are heard.
Social
Behavior
The ambitious politician Chalmers wishes to bring down a crime syndicate, but also threatens to bring in his own brand of graft and corruption. On the other hand, Detective Bullitt uses slightly shady methods (like hiding a dead body), but in the name of justice. The detective manages to triumph over his more powerful foes, but otherwise a clear message is rather elusive.
Consumerism
Pan American Airlines are shown, but they are now out of business.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Bullitt dines in a bar/restaurant where there appears to be drinking going on, but he doesn't drink. When he wakes up, he takes something from a bottle on his nightstand, but it could be anything (vitamins?).
