parents guide 47 meters down

Parents Guide to 47 Meters Down⁚ A Deep Dive into the Movie’s Content

This guide provides parents with essential information about the content of the 2017 thriller film “47 Meters Down,” helping you make informed decisions about whether it’s appropriate for your family. The film features realistic depictions of shark attacks, intense peril, and bloody imagery, alongside brief instances of strong language. It’s important to note that the film’s primary focus is on the intense survival situation, with a strong emphasis on tension and suspense;

Content Rating and Considerations

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has rated “47 Meters Down” as PG-13 for “sequences of intense peril, bloody images, and brief strong language.” This rating accurately reflects the film’s content, which is primarily focused on the terrifying experience of being trapped underwater with sharks. Parents should be aware of the following⁚

• Intense Peril⁚ The film features sustained sequences of intense peril as the characters struggle to survive their predicament. The claustrophobic setting and the constant threat of shark attacks create a palpable sense of dread throughout.
• Bloody Images⁚ While not overly graphic, the film does contain some bloody images related to shark attacks and injuries. The blood is primarily shown swirling in the water or as a result of bleeding wounds.
• Brief Strong Language⁚ The film contains a limited amount of strong language, primarily in the form of a few “f-words” and other expletives. These instances are infrequent and not overly offensive.

Overall, “47 Meters Down” is a tense and suspenseful thriller with a strong emphasis on survival. The film’s content may be too intense for younger viewers, and parental discretion is advised. It’s recommended to watch the film yourself before deciding if it’s appropriate for your children, considering their individual maturity levels and sensitivities.

The Plot⁚ A Thrilling Dive Gone Wrong

“47 Meters Down” follows two sisters, Kate and Lisa, who are on vacation in Mexico. Kate is the adventurous type, while Lisa prefers to play it safe. Their vacation takes a terrifying turn when they decide to go on a shark diving expedition.

The sisters are lured into a cage dive by a charismatic local guide who assures them of their safety. However, a malfunctioning winch system causes their cage to plummet to the ocean floor, trapping them 47 meters below the surface. The sisters are now surrounded by great white sharks, their air supply dwindling, and their hopes of rescue fading fast.

As the sisters struggle to survive, the film emphasizes the claustrophobic and terrifying nature of their situation. The constant threat of shark attacks, the limited oxygen supply, and the overwhelming darkness of the deep ocean create a sense of mounting tension and dread. The plot focuses on the sisters’ desperate attempts to escape their underwater prison, highlighting the physical and psychological challenges they face.

The film’s plot is driven by the intense survival situation, leaving little room for character development or exploration of deeper themes. The focus remains firmly on the immediate threat, the struggle for survival, and the sisters’ desperate efforts to stay alive.

Characters and Their Development

The film “47 Meters Down” features a limited cast of characters, with the primary focus on the two sisters, Kate and Lisa, who are the central protagonists. Kate is portrayed as the adventurous and impulsive one, while Lisa is more cautious and apprehensive. Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic that fuels the tension and conflict within the film.

While the film’s plot centers on the sisters’ survival, there is limited character development. The characters are primarily defined by their initial personalities and their reactions to the extreme situation they face. Kate’s adventurous spirit is tested by the terrifying circumstances, while Lisa’s cautious nature is heightened by the constant threat of danger.

The supporting characters, such as the local guides and the boat captain, are less developed and serve primarily to move the plot forward. Their roles are largely functional, providing the initial setup for the sisters’ predicament and offering limited assistance in their desperate attempts to escape.

The film’s focus on the immediate threat of survival leaves little room for character exploration. The characters are driven by their primal instincts to survive, with their personalities and motivations primarily defined by their reactions to the terrifying circumstances.

Shark Attacks and Violence

While the film “47 Meters Down” is not overtly violent, it features intense scenes of peril and suspense related to shark attacks. The primary focus is on the sisters’ struggle for survival against the relentless threat of the great white sharks. The film uses a combination of suspenseful cinematography, sound effects, and the occasional glimpses of the sharks to build tension and create a sense of impending danger.

Shark attacks are depicted realistically, with a focus on the potential for serious injury or death. While there is no graphic gore, the film does show blood swirling in the water, implying the severity of the attacks. The film also depicts the psychological impact of being trapped in a shark cage with limited resources and dwindling hope.

The film’s primary source of violence is not explicit, but rather the threat of violence. The constant presence of the sharks and the knowledge that they are capable of inflicting serious harm creates a pervasive sense of danger. The film relies on the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps, making the threat of the sharks all the more terrifying.

Parents should be aware that the film’s focus on shark attacks and the potential for harm may be disturbing for some viewers. The film’s intensity and suspense are designed to create a visceral reaction, and the threat of the sharks is never fully removed.

Language and Profanity

While “47 Meters Down” is a thriller film with intense scenes of peril, it does contain some instances of strong language. The film’s focus on the survival story of two sisters trapped in a shark cage means that the language used is primarily functional and serves to enhance the realism of the situation. It’s important to note that the film’s use of profanity is relatively minimal and does not dominate the dialogue.

The film features a few instances of the f-word, primarily used in moments of intense stress or frustration. There are also a few other instances of mild profanity, such as “s–t” and “butt,” which are used sparingly and generally in context with the characters’ reactions to the dangerous situation. The language used in the film does not overshadow the plot or the emotional impact of the story.

Parents should be aware that while the film’s use of strong language is limited, it is present. The film’s focus on survival means that the characters’ reactions to the situation are often raw and emotionally charged, which may include some instances of strong language. It’s important to consider your family’s tolerance for profanity and to decide if it’s something that will affect your viewing experience.

The film’s use of profanity is not intended to be offensive or gratuitous, but rather to reflect the characters’ emotional state and the intensity of the situation. It’s important to remember that the film’s primary focus is on the story of survival and the characters’ determination to escape their predicament.

Drinking and Substance Use

While “47 Meters Down” focuses primarily on the intense survival story of two sisters trapped underwater, there are brief scenes depicting drinking and social situations that parents might want to be aware of. The film doesn’t glorify drinking or portray it as a central element of the story, but it is present as a part of the characters’ vacation experience. The drinking scenes are generally brief and occur in the context of a social setting.

One of the sisters, Lisa, is depicted as going out with friends to a bar or nightclub during their vacation. This scene includes shots of the characters drinking alcoholic beverages, but it’s not the focus of the scene. The scene primarily serves to establish the characters’ social dynamic and their desire to enjoy their vacation before the harrowing events of the film unfold. The drinking is portrayed as a casual aspect of their leisure time and not as a central part of their personality or behavior. The film doesn’t show any negative consequences of drinking, and the emphasis remains on the sisters’ relationship and their subsequent struggle for survival.

Parents should be aware that while the film does depict drinking, it does so in a relatively brief and unobtrusive way. The film’s primary focus remains on the survival story and the intense challenges faced by the characters. The drinking scenes are not intended to be glamorized or to promote alcohol consumption. The film’s portrayal of drinking is simply a reflection of the characters’ social environment and their desire to enjoy their vacation before facing the dangers of the underwater situation.

The film’s emphasis on the characters’ determination to survive, their ingenuity, and their bond as sisters is the central message of “47 Meters Down.” The brief scenes depicting drinking are intended to provide a glimpse into the characters’ lives before the harrowing events of the film unfold, and they don’t significantly impact the overall message or the tone of the story.

Sexual Content

While “47 Meters Down” is a thriller focusing on the intense survival story of two sisters trapped underwater with sharks, there are a few instances of sexual content that parents might want to be aware of. The film’s primary focus is on the intense peril and suspense, and these instances of sexual content are brief and occur in the context of the characters’ relationships and social situations.

One scene involves a brief conversation between the sisters where one of them, Lisa, is shown in her diving suit, and the other sister makes a comment about her appearance. This scene is lighthearted and intended to establish the sisters’ relationship and their playful dynamic. It doesn’t contain any graphic content or explicit sexual references. The scene is primarily focused on establishing the sisters’ personalities and their bond before the harrowing events of the film unfold.

Another scene involves a brief moment of kissing between the sisters and their friends, who are on vacation together. This scene is also brief and doesn’t contain any suggestive content. It primarily serves to establish the characters’ romantic relationships and their social dynamic. The film’s focus remains on the thrilling and suspenseful story of the sisters’ survival, and these brief moments of sexual content are not central to the plot or the film’s overall message.

Parents should be aware that while the film does contain brief instances of sexual content, they are not graphic or explicit. The scenes involving sexual content are intended to establish the characters’ relationships and their social dynamic before the harrowing events of the film unfold. The film’s primary focus remains on the intensity and suspense of the survival story.

Themes and Messages

While “47 Meters Down” is primarily a thrilling survival story with intense suspense, it also explores several relevant themes and messages that might spark conversation with your children. The film delves into the inherent fear of the unknown, particularly the primal fear of sharks, but it also highlights themes of courage, resilience, and the power of sisterhood.

The film’s central theme revolves around facing your fears and pushing your boundaries, with the sisters embodying contrasting approaches. Lisa, the more cautious sister, represents the fear of the unknown and the desire for safety, while Kate embodies the adventurous spirit, willing to take risks and explore new experiences. Their contrasting personalities, intertwined with their shared vulnerability in the face of danger, create a powerful dynamic that drives the narrative forward.

The film also explores the importance of sisterhood and the bonds of family, as the sisters rely on each other for strength and support in the face of extreme peril. Their relationship is tested and deepened as they navigate the challenges of their terrifying ordeal, highlighting the strength and resilience found in familial bonds.

Parents can use these themes as a starting point for meaningful conversations with their children, exploring the importance of facing challenges, the strength of family bonds, and the consequences of taking risks. The film’s narrative, while fictional, provides a compelling platform for discussing real-life issues such as fear, courage, and the power of human resilience.

Overall Impact and Recommendations

“47 Meters Down” delivers a high-octane thriller experience, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with its intense suspense and realistic depiction of peril. The film’s constant tension and relentless pacing are likely to resonate with older teens and adults who enjoy adrenaline-pumping movies. However, the film’s graphic depiction of shark attacks and bloody imagery may be too intense for younger viewers, particularly those with a sensitivity to such content.

Parents should consider their children’s maturity levels and individual sensitivities before deciding whether “47 Meters Down” is appropriate for them. If you decide to watch the film together, take the opportunity to engage in conversations with your children about the themes explored, such as courage, resilience, and the power of sisterhood. Discussions about the film’s realistic depiction of danger and the importance of safety measures when engaging in potentially risky activities can also be beneficial.

While the film’s intense nature may not make it ideal for younger viewers, it can be a valuable tool for initiating conversations about overcoming fear, the importance of family bonds, and the consequences of taking risks. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to watch “47 Meters Down” should be based on your family’s individual preferences and comfort levels.