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

05 June 2026

Offensive language

A career-focussed CEO and the new attorney at her airline must hide their chemistry – then relationship – that is strictly against company policy.

Read more

22 May 2026

Scary Movie 6

Scary Movie

Violence, offensive language, drug use, sex scenes, nudity & sexual material

In this sixth instalment of the horror comedy franchise, a character’s daughter is attacked by a ghost-faced killer, pushing her to call on friends for help. The film reunites characters from earlier films and slapstick chaos happens.

Read more