Happy Gilmore

What’s it about?

Happy Gilmore, a hot‑headed aspiring hockey player, discovers he can drive a golf ball incredible distances. He enters a professional tour to win enough prize money to save his grandmother’s house from foreclosure.

The facts 

• Directed by Dennis Dugan (Grown Ups, You Don’t Mess With the Zohan)
• Stars Adam Sandler (Grown Ups, 50 First Dates, Big Daddy), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Carl Weathers (Rocky)
• English language
• Runtime: 92 minutes

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.

Offensive language

The film includes occasional offensive language, with some stronger words used for comic effect, including words like “f*ck”, “sh*t” and “a**hole”. There are also occasional crude jokes, name-calling, and angry outbursts, especially from Happy himself. The tone is generally humorous, but the language may not be suitable for younger viewers.

Violence

A main character frequently resorts to violence when he loses his temper. This is usually shown in a humorous way. Strongest scenes include:

• He gets into a fistfight, throws a man through a glass door, hits another with a golf ball, and breaks a bottle to threaten someone. 
• Another character is run over by a car and smashed by an air conditioner unit. 
• A character is shot in the head by a nail gun, though no blood is visible.

Adult themes

A character fantasises about a woman on a bed, dressed in lingerie, and holding alcohol.

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?