Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this subtitled, explicitly sexual World War II film is absolutely not for kids. It features several extremely graphic sex scenes (full frontal nudity, aggressive and sweaty activity in acrobatic positions, violence that borders on rape, and more), as well as other brief nudity, kissing, or awkward fumbling. Non-sexual violence includes brief combat scenes, bloody bodies in the street, explosions, shooting, an ugly stabbing scene, and an execution. Frequent cigarette smoking and drinking; language (in subtitles) includes one use of "f--k."

Sexual Content

Extremely explicit sex scenes, showing full frontal nudity and thrusting, from front and back. A young woman's virginity loss depicted (discomfort on her face). Some kissing, but mostly deep gazes while thrusting. Brief shots of prostitutes and references to "whores." In a brothel in the Japanese district, Wang sees sex scenes through doorways (dominatrix, multiple partners, an invitation from officers who assume she's "working"). One scene blends sex and violence -- a man hits a woman with a belt and then ties her arms behind her back as he penetrates her.

Violence

Early images include bloody bodies on a street, as well as explosions, cars crashing, and people panicking. Violence-laced sex scenes include one in which a man rips a woman's dress and roughly putting his hand inside her panties and another in which a man slams a woman against a wall, hitting her with his hands and his belt. Weapons include guns, knives, and kitchen tools. A lengthy and especially violent scene shows a struggle with a gun, then a man getting stabbed repeatedly and awkwardly (he fights back, grunts, staggers, and falls, with much blood on the walls and his killers). Documentation and discussion of official executions and abuses. Characters are shown lined up along the edge of a large pit, on their knees, waiting to be shot (viewers don't see the act, just the set-up).

Language

One use of "f--k," plus mild other language ("hell," "bastard," and a few uses of "whore"), all in Mandarin with subtitles.

Social Behavior

Nearly everyone lies to someone else, some with more cruelty and aggression than others. Since the movie is set during WWII, espionage and violence are somewhat normalized.

Consumerism

Not applicable.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Lots of cigarette smoking (accurate for the time period), plus frequent scenes of drinking (wine and liquor), sometimes to drunkenness (once in preparation for sexual activity).