Parents guide

No adult content whatsoever; the film merely follows Shakespeare's play exactly

Upon its initial release in 1970, this film was rated GP (which is equivalent to PG). It ended up getting re-rated to PG-13 for "some violent content." However, this is not altogether fair, since it merely follows Shakespeare's play exactly and none of the violence is overly graphic or bloody.

Edgar is briefly seen naked, though almost no nudity is ever actually seen and is obscured by the dim lighting and the rain.

The film is suitable for family viewing and classroom use, but the odd camerawork and cinematography may make it difficult to follow along, especially if one is not already familiar with the play.

The violence simply follows Shakespeare's tragedy, though it is often disturbing, and this film is a dark take on the play. Nothing in this film is overly graphic, however.

A man wounds himself to falsely accuse another man of attacking him. Some blood is shown.

Multiple swordfights throughout, following Shakespeare's play. Not gory or overly graphic.

Two somewhat brutal scenes near the end (see description below)

None whatsoever. Every line is taken verbatim from Shakespeare's play.

A few scenes depict adults consuming alcohol in moderation

This play follows Shakespeare's tragedy, which is a notoriously dark and violent play. None of the violence in this film version is graphic, however, and the PG-13 re-rating was probably overkill.

The gloomy and dark black-and-white cinematography makes the overall mood and tone of the film especially grim and dreary.

The scene where Lear is out in the storm with his jester, crying out to the gods and begging for mercy, is very intense.

The scene where Edgar is found in the hovel and the Fool believes him to be a demonic spirit is also very intense and chaotic.

The ending is extremely sad and disturbing (though, again, not graphic in its portrayal).