Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that To Be Takei is a documentary about Star Trek actor and civil rights activist George Takei. Dealing with adversity that Takei faced both in WWII's Japanese internment camps and as an Asian-American actor trying to make it in Hollywood, the movie addresses some challenging times in American history, but nothing graphic is shown. A few scenes feature banter about Takei's sexual orientation (especially from friend Howard Stern), and an animated sequence depicts Takei's first sexual experience as a teen at summer camp, though the cut-out characters are only shown in silhouette. There's some profanity ("f--k," "s--t"), and both ethnic and anti-gay slurs are visible in photographs and video footage. Mature teens and grown-up Trekkers will best appreciate the story of this multifaceted American treasure.

Sexual Content

There's a paper-cut animation of Takei's first sexual experience, which is narrated by Takei and shows the shadows of two people kissing in a summer camp cabin. Takei and Howard Stern joke about his sex life and orientation, and magazine covers of scantily clad musclebound men are shown.

Violence

Some light swordplay is shown during one of Takei's most popular Star Trek scenes.

Language

Takei says "f--k you" to William Shatner during a comedy roast, and derogatory protest signs with the words "f-g" and "f----ts" are shown.

Social Behavior

Takei's inspirational story can show kids that it's possible to overcome all kinds of adversity; his untraditional path to stardom required facing lots of fears and challenges. His success can also be attributed to persistence and hard work, and his later-life activism shows a celebrity putting fame to positive use.

Consumerism

Star Trek fans and memorabilia figure prominently; there's a scene in which Takei sells autographs at a convention.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable