Captain America: The First Avenger

NZ release: 28 July 2011

Violence Rated on: 28 July 2011

catfa

What’s it about?

In WW2 America, Steve Rogers is rejected from the American military due to his small physical appearance. After proving his courage, US military scientists transform him into the supersoldier “Captain America”. However, he soon finds himself up against the relentless head of the HYDRA terrorist organisation to end the war.

The facts

  • Directed by Joe Johnston
  • Starring Chris Evans (The Avengers), Hayley Atwell (The Duchess), Sebastian Stan (Black Swan), Tommy Lee Jones (Men in Black), Hugo Weaving (The Matrix), Stanley Tucci (The Hunger Games), and Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction)
  • English, Norwegian, and French languages
  • Runtime: 124 minutes
  • 5th release in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Why did it get this rating?

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Violence

The film contains regular fight scenes involving explosions, kicks, punches, and shooting, with sound effects of crunching bones and gunfire. Some people are killed however, the movie contains a minimal blood or detail of injury.

Some of the strongest moments of violence include:

  • A character tears his face mask off, revealing his skinless, muscular red face.A character is pushed into the propeller of a ship. You see a small amount of blood spray.

Content that may disturb

A spy bites into a cyanide pill and dies to avoid being captured by the enemy. He foams at the mouth before losing consciousness.

Offensive language

The film contains coarse language. Words like “s**t,” “b*tch,” and “hell” are used frequently throughout.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

Further information

Recent featured decisions

02 December 2025

Domestic violence, offensive language, sexual violence themes

This docuseries digs into the long-running allegations tied to Sean “Diddy” Combs and the rise of his Bad Boy empire, covering decades of fame, power, and controversy.

Read more

30 December 2025

Offensive language, sex scenes, sexual references, drug use

Two rival hockey stars at the peak of their careers suddenly catch feelings for each other, throwing a massive curveball into their professional lives and the expectations of the sport.

Read more