Chocolat

Why Is Chocolat Rated PG-13?

Overall: C
Full of rich cinematography and luscious images, Chocolat is one woman’s attempt to teach tolerance to a 1950’s Catholic French community. Using chocolate as a metaphor for pleasure and sin, many townspeople are drawn into the spell and begin straying from their conservative church-centered traditions. Parents should note the inclusion of strong sexual themes, portrayal of an abusive husband, and what some may regard as anti-religious messages.

Violence: C
Woman steals what looks like a small purse. Schoolyard children quarrel. Woman steals small article from shop. Brief shots of an artist’s sketchbook show morbid drawings. Woman reads ghoulish poetry aloud. Angry woman knocks down picture and kicks large stone statue. Woman fleeing from her husband displays large bruise and cut on forehead. Drunken man breaks into home and begins beating and choking female resident. Man struck on head with skillet. Boat with passengers on board set on fire and explodes. One character helps criminal avoid justice. Angry parent grabs child by hand. Crazed man breaks into and vandalizes shop.

Sexual Content: C-
The notion that cocoa beans are an aphrodisiac is an underlying theme of this movie. Mother announces she has never been married. A couple making sexual sounds is briefly heard, along with far shot of their upper bodies through a window. Female pin-up pictures shown in background of one scene. Brothel is mentioned. Child speaks of not knowing who her father is. Naked couple engaged in sex shown in an approximately 15-second-long scene, blanket covers only their waists down, detailed silhouette of female’s breast also seen. Man speaks of having “impure thoughts.” Two dogs briefly seen in mating position. Man and woman begin kissing passionately in scene that ends with implied sexual encounter. Nude female figure molded from chocolate is seen.

Language: B
At least: 6 mild profanities and 4 terms of Deity used as expletives/profanities.

Alcohol / Drug Use: C
The notion that cocoa beans have aphrodisiac properties. Woman asks if there’s “booze” in cup of hot chocolate. People in rough caf0xE9 shown drinking. Woman who takes insulin for diabetes wants to be called a “drug addict” because it sounds more exciting. Intoxicated man seen on several occasions. People drink alcohol at party and other social settings. Some background smoking shown.