The two popes being shown in school

[Wigglyjigglie]

My son came home with a permission slip asking if he is allowed to watch The Two Popes at school tomorrow. This is a 12a and my son is 9. We are a Roman Catholic family and he attends a Roman Catholic school. I have seen reviews and trailers and it doesn't seem appropriate. AIBU to say no he can't watch it? I don't mind him questioning the church and finding this own answers but it has to be age appropriate.

Well, I got bored and switched if off after about 30 minutes, so for that reason alone it's not suitable for 9 year olds!

It's an amazing film. I would have no problem with any of mine watching it at 9.

Although yes I can see how people would think it's boring!

Your choice really isn’t it? Maybe just watch it yourself and if you still think it’s unacceptable say no.

It's an amazing film. I would have no problem with any of mine watching it at 9.

Ditto

I've seen this and I have a 9 year old. I actually think it's brilliant.
I think the videography of the Vatican is beautiful and the whole movie is a very good insight.
I think the "politics" are how the 2 popes were so different, the finer detail of their disagreements would probably go over my child's heads. But it would teach a lot about the real life aspects of the Pope, how they are voted in, where they live, and most importantly the mutual respect they both had by the end for each other.
I'm not a practising catholic though so my view may well be different from those that are

I loved it but there are some scenes which might be a bit much for a 9 year old. Are they watching all of it?

I’m a bit surprised is a 12a film. The only thing I believe may not be suitable for young kids is that there are a couple of scenes were they tell the story of priests who were tortured during the Argentinian dictatorships.

It is a heart warming film though, a bit of comparison between religion seen as a set of rules or a set of values (to put it in a way). Having said that, I wouldn’t be surprised if your son have seen more violent stuff in video games/action movies or if he is totally distracted with boredom within 10 minutes of the movie starting.

What an odd choice, I can’t imagine a 9 year old getting much out of it.

Why are they watching it?

What an odd choice, I can’t imagine a 9 year old getting much out of it.

At least is not the Life of Christ, Or other more violent stuff, like seeing depictions of dead people hammered to crosses in churches.

12A = suitable for under-12s if accompanied by adults.

So there's nothing about that rating that means the film is unsuitable for nine year olds.

I could be persuaded to watch Jude Law in his Speedos

I thought it was a great film. Can't see any reason to not show it tbh.

It's a wonderful film, though at 9 your son may find it a bit boring! I loved it - found it fascinating and unexpectedly moving. And funny! Loved the detail of it too (particularly the traditions like the papal conclave). I'm not religious at all, but if anything I find it encouraging that an RC school would show it to its pupils, as it is quite critical of the Church in many ways, or at least its instincts towards self-preservation at the expense of doing what is right.

Just shocked that a school would show a film that has been assigned an above age certificate - whatever the film. And yes I’m catholic and my children went to/ go to a catholic school

I’m assuming 12A means you have to be 12 with adult supervision otherwise it would be PG?

It really doesn't take long to google these things.

"Films rated 12A are suitable for children aged 12 and over. However, people younger than 12 may see a 12A so long as they are accompanied by an adult. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult."

I watched it last night. It's very good but then I'm not a 9 year old.

What is your reason for thinking it's not appropriate ? For religious reasons? Ethical/ moral reasons? Or just sheer boredom factor for a child?

I agree poorbuthappy it is an excellent film.i didn't find it boring at all. I don't think there is anything in it unsuitable for a 9 year old but I doubt it hold the attention of a 9 year old or that they would understand it.

Now sure why you think the religious aspect might make the film unsuitable? Odd. The torture scenes, people being pushed to their deaths from a plane, soldiers rounding up people with guns, etc, that might be more of a worry. A substantial part of the film deals with the troubles in Argentina, visually it's quite upsetting. (But it might depend on how sensitive your child is and what they are used to seeing.)

Sorry, I just realised I deleted a sentence but left the word 'Odd" in, which now sounds a bit arsey on its own! I thought the film was a really interesting portrayal of the popes and not offensive or problematic. So hence wasn't sure why that bit might be a problem.

It's a super film and not anti church at all.

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