Song Sung Blue

NZ release: 01 January 2026

Offensive language & mental health themes Rated on: 15 April 2026

song sung blue

What’s it about?

Based on the true story of a struggling musician and a part-time performer who form a Neil Diamond tribute act as success, marriage, and tragedy test their bond.

The facts 

  • Directed by Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow)
  • Starring Hugh Jackson (The Greatest Showman) and Kate Hudson (Running Point)
  • English language 
  • Runtime: 131 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.

Mental health themes

One of main characters talks about their past struggles with alcoholism, and attends AA meetings.

Another character mentions their experiences with mental illness. When they suffer a tragic accident, they enter a depressive phase that strains their family relationships. 

After a psychotic episode, they are placed in a mental hospital to recover.

Offensive language

There is infrequent offensive language throughout the film, which includes "sh*t" and "f*cked up".

Content that may disturb

A character is shown suffering multiple heart attacks, some of which cause them to fall. One time they knock their head, leaving a bloody gash in their hairline.

A person is hit by a car outside their house. While we don't see the accident, we see their family members in hospital afterwards, upset with blood on their hands, presumably from tending to the injured person. The injured person ends up needing a leg partially amputated.

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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