The Diplomat

What’s it about?

Two stories. Two countries. One diplomat. When a woman claims she was forced to marry in Pakistan, one man navigates international tensions to help her.

The facts

• Directed by Shivam Nair
• Starring John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, and Kumud Mishra
• Hindi language, with English, Arabic, Spanish, and Portuguese subtitles
• Runtime: 132min

Why did it get this rating?

This film was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Sexual violence

In a disturbing scene, a female character is hit across the face, and her mouth is gagged before she is raped. The sexual assault is presented without graphic detail.

There are also verbal references to sexual violence, such as “forced sex,” during the high point of the film. 

A female character is raped multiple times, with no nudity shown.

Violence

This film contains an unsettling plot in which a female character is forced into confinement within a cultural environment that she is alien to, and where she is coerced into conforming to its cultural rules.

Scenes of threat happen throughout the film, such as a gun threat and gunfire, car chases, and a terrorist bombing, with infrequent blood seen. A shooting aftermath is depicted with blood, and an arm is seen to be blown off in a terrorist bombing.

Injuries are shown by a woman after she was physically abused.

Domestic violence

A man beats his several wives on numerous occasions. These scenes do not contain strong detail. Throughout the film, there are often depictions of male characters being very violent against female characters, such as punching them hard and slapping them in the face.

Suicide references

A female character talks about being in a desperate and distressing situation where she was led to contemplate taking her own life.

Content that may disturb

This film revolves around women being abducted and traded.

A woman tells a diplomat that she was “coerced” into marrying a man from another country.

Offensive language

This film contains the use of offensive language, with words like “Chod,” meaning f**k in Hindi, as well “bastard.”

Helplines

The sexual violence could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Brain development – how it works, why it matter

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