Tron

What’s it about?

A computer hacker is abducted into a digital world and forced to participate in gladiatorial games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security program.

The facts

• Directed by Steven Lisberger
• Starring Jeff Bridges (The Big Lebowski), David Warner (Titanic), and Bruce Boxleitner (Tron: Legacy)
• English language
• Runtime: 136 minutes
• Oscar nominations for Best Sound and Best Costume Design

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by the Chief Censor for Films (CCF), prior to the establishment of Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office in 1994. You can find out more about the history of censorship here.

Violence

There are fight scenes and deaths, but they only involve computer-generated characters called “programs.” When they die, they break apart like glass or fade away – there’s no blood or gore. The violence is stylized and looks similar to a low-resolution video game. There are also some non-bloody vehicle crashes and explosions.

In some scenes, a villain uses a machine to drain energy from other programs, which is portrayed like a form of torture. Their skeletons briefly appear, as if they’re being electrocuted.

Even though the characters are programs, their injuries or deaths – especially falling – can still feel emotional or intense.

Frightening scenes

The villain has a menacing appearance that may frighten younger viewers.

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