Happy Gilmore
NZ release: 16 February 1996
Offensive language Rated on: 16 February 1996
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.
Further information
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