Doctor Strange

What’s it about?

After a horrific injury, an exceptional neurosurgeon, Steven Strange, goes on a journey of physical and spiritual healing before he is drawn into the world of the mystic arts.

The facts

• Directed by Scott Derrickson
• Starring Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), Rachel McAdams (The Notebook), Benedict Wong (The Martian), Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), Tilda Swinton (The Chronicles of Narnia), and Michael Stuhlbarg (A Serious Man)
• English language
• Runtime: 114 minutes
• 14th 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

This film contains frequent fantasy violence, including use of harmful magical powers and fistfights. Some scenes contain bloodshed, including when characters are crushed by buildings, and there is one scene of a dead man impaled on a large metal rod.

In one scene, a villain binds a man with magic, and then he is decapitated offscreen, but we hear this happen.

There are multiple surgery scenes where wounds are clearly sewn, and surgical instruments are used. In one, a man’s face is bruised and bloodied and there are metal screws and poles sticking out of his hands, which some viewers might find unsettling.

Offensive language

The film contains some use of offensive language. Words used include “f**k,” “asshole” and “bulls**t.”

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.  

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Brain development – how it works, why it matters