The Dictator Parental Guidance Review and Ratings. Age rating, objectionable content, positive messages, cast overview, and family suitability.
- VERDICT: The Dictator is not suitable for family viewing. Due to its explicit sexual content, strong language, violence, and adult-oriented humor, it is not recommended for children or young teenagers.
- Release date: May 16, 2012
- Director: Larry Charles
- Writer: Sacha Baron Cohen, Alec Berg, David Mandel, Jeff Schaffer
- Stars: Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley, and Jason Mantzoukas
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: R
The Dictator
Highlight and Review
The Dictator is a 2012 political satire black comedy film directed by Larry Charles, who previously directed Baron Cohen’s mockumentaries Borat and Brüno. Baron Cohen’s performance in the work was commendable while the film’s crude humor was scrutinized.
The film is a satirical take on Middle Eastern dictators and their regimes. Aladeen is a brutal and incompetent ruler who is more interested in his own power and wealth than in the well-being of his people. He is also incredibly narcissistic and believes that he is the only one who can lead Wadiya.
When Aladeen travels to New York to address the United Nations Security Council, his plans go awry when he is kidnapped by a hitman hired by his uncle, Tamir (Ben Kingsley). Tamir is a more moderate leader who wants to bring democracy to Wadiya, and he sees Aladeen as an obstacle.
Aladeen escapes from the hitman and ends up befriending a young woman named Zoey (Anna Faris), who is working as a waitress in New York. Zoey helps Aladeen to see the error of his ways, and he eventually comes to realize that he needs to change his ways if he wants to be a good leader.
The Dictator is a crude and offensive film, but it is also funny and thought-provoking. Baron Cohen’s performance is one of the highlights, and he brings a lot of energy and charisma to the role. The film is not for everyone, but it is worth a watch for fans of Sacha Baron Cohen and political satire.
Age Rating and Content Warnings
The Dictator is rated R, which means it is intended for mature audiences and may not be suitable for children under 17 without parental guidance.
This review aims to provide you with important information to help you make an informed decision regarding the movie’s appropriateness for your family.
Sex & Nudity
- Zoey references masturbation to Aldeen, and he does so for the first time. This scene is very brief and does not contain nudity.
- Two girls are seen kissing in front of a man to teach him how to kiss. He reacts to it by kissing another man.
- A man is seen touching a woman’s breast.
- Four women in lingerie are shown surrounding a man.
- A man makes comments implying that he regularly engages in sexual activities with people.
- There are sexual comments and innuendo throughout the movie.
- In the unrated version, there is a love scene between Zoey and Aladeen that is extended. Both of them kiss and Aladeen goes down on Zoey. Then it is implied that he is licking her underarm hair.
- There is a birth scene where you see a woman’s insides while giving birth.
- Streaming versions have mild sexual references.
- A man says that he masturbated for the first time. You do not see it, but it is played for comedic effect.
- In the masturbation scene, you do not actually see him doing it, but you see his face while he is doing it. It is not graphic.
- The unrated version includes a sex scene and more nudity. The streaming version has some sexual references, but no sex scenes and very mild nudity.
- A man’s penis is briefly seen as he flies into a window.
- In the unrated version only, a woman attacks a man with her large breasts.
Violence & Gore
- A man carrying another man’s fake-looking, decapitated head runs through an alley while being chased by other men. A man plays with the decapitated head, making it sing, pretending to use it to perform oral sex on another man, etc.
- A man is shot in the head. He falls to the ground where a bit of blood pools around his head.
- We see a dead man with a bit of blood and brain matter on his head in a hospital room.
- A man shoots at someone and another man jumps in the way of the bullet. We see him with a bloody bullet hole in his head.
- A man plays a video game where his character cuts the head off another character using a sword. We see blood spray.
- A man plays a video game called “Munich Olympics” where his character shoots several Israeli characters.
- A man running in a race shoots an opponent in the leg and two judges. There is no blood, but they all fall to the ground.
- A man shoots another man in the upper arm and then the leg. There is no blood.
- An antagonist sets another man’s beard on fire and sets himself on fire in the process. We see him rolling on the floor in flames.
- A man has some cables running into the legs of his shorts (presumably attached to his genitals). Another man flips a switch causing the first man to twitch.
- A woman briefly twists a man’s arm and tells him to stop using hateful language.
- A few other mild blows and/or scuffles.
- In the unrated version, a big-breasted woman breaks into a store and attacks a man.
Profanity
The movie contains strong language and offensive terms.
It includes about 10 uses of “Cocksucker,” 12 uses of the ‘f-word,’ 4 uses of ‘d!ck’ (in context, although 1 used homosexually), 3 uses of ‘n!gger’ (in context), ‘asshole,’ and 2 uses of ‘tit(ted)’ and ‘sh!t.’
Additionally, there are a few insulting remarks towards African-American, Arabic, and Jewish people.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
The movie does not contain drug use. However, several men are seen sitting at a table with several pipes lying about. People in the movie also drink champagne, cocktails, and liquor at a couple of parties. Infrequent smoking is also shown.
Frightening & Intense Scenes
The Dictator does not contain any frightening or intensely violent scenes that may be unsuitable for children.
What You Should Know
1. What is the age rating of The Dictator?
The Dictator is rated R, which means it is intended for mature audiences and may not be suitable for children under 17 without parental guidance.
2. Is there any nudity in the movie?
While there is no explicit nudity, there are scenes featuring women in lingerie and brief glimpses of a man’s penis in one scene.
3. Are there violent or gory scenes in The Dictator?
Yes, the movie contains scenes of violence and gore, including shootings, decapitation, and blood. However, the violence is mostly presented in a comedic and exaggerated manner.
4. How strong is the language in the movie?
The Dictator features strong language, including multiple uses of the ‘f-word,’ offensive slurs, and insulting remarks towards various ethnicities. Parents should be aware of the explicit language used throughout the film.
5. Are there any positive messages or lessons in The Dictator?
The Dictator is primarily a political satire and comedy, and while it may provide some social commentary, it is not focused on delivering positive messages or moral lessons.
6. Can I watch a censored version of the movie with my family?
While it is possible to find edited or censored versions of The Dictator, the movie’s content and humor are inherently adult-oriented. It may be challenging to find a version suitable for family viewing without compromising the overall experience and comedic intent.
7. Is The Dictator appropriate for teenagers?
Due to its explicit content, strong language, and sexual references, The Dictator is generally not recommended for teenagers. Parents should carefully consider the movie’s content and decide whether it aligns with their family’s values and the maturity level of their teenagers.
8. Can I watch the movie with my older teenage children?
The suitability of The Dictator for older teenage children depends on factors such as their maturity level, ability to understand satire and dark humor, and their familiarity with adult-oriented content. Parents should watch the movie themselves first and use their judgment to determine if it aligns with their family’s preferences.
9. Are there any positive aspects of the movie for adult viewers?
For adult viewers who enjoy political satire and dark humor, The Dictator may provide entertainment value. However, it is important to be aware of the explicit content and offensive language present in the movie.
10. Is The Dictator suitable for a family movie night?
The Dictator is not recommended for family movie nights due to its explicit content, sexual references, and strong language. It is best suited for adult audiences who appreciate political satire and are comfortable with adult-oriented humor.
The Verdict
The Dictator is an R-rated movie that contains explicit sexual content, strong language, and violence. Due to its adult-oriented themes and explicit scenes, it is not suitable for children or young teenagers.
Parents should exercise caution and consider the movie’s content warnings before allowing their children to watch it. While the movie may appeal to some adults who enjoy political satire and dark humor, it is not recommended for family viewing.
It is important to prioritize age-appropriate entertainment choices and engage in open discussions with your children about appropriate content.