Tron: Legacy

What’s it about?

Sam Flynn, the tech-savvy son of a computer programmer investigates his father’s disappearance, only to get pulled into a digital world of AI enemies and gladiatorial games, where his father has been living for the past 20 years.

The facts

• Directed by Joseph Kosinski (F1, Top Gun: Maverick)
• Starring Jeff Bridges (The Big Lebowski), Garret Hedlund (Four Brothers), and Olivia Wilde (Don’t Worry Darling)
• Soundtrack by 8-time Grammy winners Daft Punk
• English language, with dubbed in various other languages
• Runtime: 125 minutes
• Oscar nominee for Best Achievement in Sound Editing

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.

Violence

Even though there are violent fight scenes and deaths, they mostly involve computer-generated characters called “programs.” When they die, they break apart like glass with no blood or gore.

A human character is forced to take part in deadly games against powerful program opponents. In one fight, he bleeds slightly.

In one scene, a male program cuts another program's neck with a sharp disc during a race. The victim screams, struggles, and then shatters.

In another brief moment, we see a dead program's hand on a stick before it also shatters.

Even though most characters are just programs, it can still be emotional when they’re hurt or killed. For example, one program loses her arm, but a man later repairs it.

Frightening scenes

The villain's appearance may frighten younger viewers.

The fact that the main characters father left when he was a child may be emotionally heavy for some viewers.

Suicide

A major part of the film centers around deadly “games,” where programs are forced to fight to the death for the entertainment of the public and the powerful elite.

In one scene, a program is selected to compete but is so terrified that he chooses to end his own life by jumping into a massive fan, shouting “erase me” before disintegrating.

Sexual references

There are scenes female programs are shown in sexualized outfits, such as skintight clothing and stiletto heels, with some mild innuendo. Some characters are seen cuddling, embracing romantically, flirting, and kissing, but these scenes are not graphic or detailed.

A male character is briefly seen shirtless on various occasions.

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.

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

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