Cousins

Offensive language Rated on: 03 March 2021

Cousins

What’s it about?

Three cousins, who are bound together by love and hope, are separated for decades all leading very different but hard lives. One of them is taken from her family and sent to an orphanage, which is the start of the significant trauma she experiences throughout her life.

The film includes strong themes of racism, inequality and loss, as well as the importance of whānau and identity. The film speaks to the stolen generations, the Māori tamariki taken from their whānau in Aotearoa.

The facts

  • Directed by Ainsley Gardiner and Briar Grace Smith
  • English and Māori languages
  • Runtime: 94 minutes
  • Based on the book Cousins by Patricia Grace

Why did it get this rating?

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

Offensive language

There is some use of offensive language including words such as “bitch”.

Further information

‘Cousins’ Review: The Ties That Bind

Cousins: Why this lovingly crafted Kiwi drama demands your attention

Yes, we are the Stolen Generations

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

11 December 2025

Violence

After solving Zootopia’s biggest case, rookie duo Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are thrown into a new mystery when Gary De’Snake slithers into town and turns the city on its head. To get to the truth, they’ll have to go undercover in surprising corners of Zootopia, and their partnership will be pushed further than ever.

Read more