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.
