Pike River
NZ release: 18 July 2025
Offensive language Rated on: 30 October 2025
Pike River Film
What’s it about?
Based on the Pike River tragedy of 2010, this drama captures the profound impact of one of the worst mining disasters in New Zealand's history.
The facts
- Directed by Rob Sarkies (Scarfies, Out of the Blue)
- Stars Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm
- English language
- Runtime: 131 minutes
Why did it get this rating?
This film was rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about the rating process here.
Mature themes
The film takes a chronological look at the events immediately prior to, and then after the mining disaster at Pike River. We don’t see the disaster take place and we don’t see the victims in the mine. But we do see some television footage from the time showing flames coming out of a ventilation shaft and police evidence photographs of CCTV images from within the mine.
A couple argue, with strong language and yelling. The woman throws food towards her partner.
Offensive language
There is occasional strong language used throughout the film, often as an exclamation or in frustration. The strongest words used include ‘c*nt’, ‘f*ck’, ‘f*cked’, ‘b*tch’, and ‘sh*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.
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