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A Man Called Otto poster

Is A Man Called Otto OK for Kids?

ComedyDrama
15+
PG-13⭐ 7.5 / 102022 · 2h 6m
Marc Forster

Where to Watch

United States

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Streaming data by JustWatch

What's In It

Based on the actual screenplay
⏳

We're re-reading this screenplay with our upgraded analysis. Scene-by-scene moment counts aren't available for A Man Called Otto yet — the summaries below are from our earlier read-through. Check back soon.

🗡️Violence
Moderate▼
  • A bus crash is shown with a woman losing her unborn child and becoming paralyzed from injuries
  • Multiple detailed suicide attempts including hanging with a noose, carbon monoxide poisoning in a car, standing in front of a train, and holding a shotgun under his chin
  • A man collapses from a heart attack
  • Several scenes where Otto shouts at or pushes and shoves other people
💬Language
Moderate▼
  • About 1 f-word, 10 scatological terms, 12 mild obscenities
  • Strong language includes 'b**tard,' 'cr*p,' 'godda**,' 's**t,' 'son of a b**ch,' and 'what the hell'
  • 2 religious profanities (GD), 15 religious exclamations like 'for God's sake,' 'my God,' 'oh my God'
  • Otto calls people 'idiots' and calls a neighborhood cat 'stupid cat'
👻Scary Scenes
Mild▼
  • Bus crash scene with debris and injured people visible
  • Peril when a person falls onto railroad tracks
  • Heart attack scene where a man collapses
  • No jump scares, but emotional intensity around death and grief themes
💕Romance
Very Mild▼
  • A few kissing scenes between married couples
  • Otto is seen remembering sleeping next to his wife while holding hands
  • One scene shows a woman in nightwear with visible cleavage and bare shoulder
  • No sexual dialogue or nudity beyond what's mentioned
🍺Substances
None▼
  • A man gives another man a bottle of whiskey but then takes it back - no one drinks alcohol
  • No drug use or substance abuse shown
  • No glorification or consequences related to substances
⚡Stimulation
Very Mild▼
  • Slow, contemplative pacing throughout most of the film
  • Bus crash sequence provides brief intense visual stimulation
  • No chaotic or overwhelming action sequences - primarily dialogue-driven drama
A Man Called Otto — Heads Up for Parents

Multiple detailed suicide attempts that are interrupted in ways meant to be humorous, which could be cavalier and distasteful treatment of a serious topic

About A Man Called Otto

Otto is a grump who's given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around. This is a heartwarming drama about grief, community, and finding purpose again after devastating loss.

👨‍👧
Best watched together
Multiple suicide attempts and mature themes around depression and loss require discussion and support

Family Takeaways from A Man Called Otto

What it gets right

  • ✓Ultimate message is that life has more to offer than we may think and 'Life is ALWAYS worth living' with themes of carrying each other in times of struggle
  • ✓Shows that cranky people likely have a painful reason behind their rude behavior
  • ✓Marisol represents persistence, caring, and being unapologetically yourself, with positive diverse characters across age, gender, race, and disability

A Man Called Otto Cultural & Values Guide

Cultural & Values Guide

Values & Themes
●Traditional family values

Otto's entire character transformation centers on rediscovering the importance of community and chosen family connections. The film's core message celebrates how family bonds and caring for neighbors give life meaning and purpose.

Cast:Tom HanksMariana TreviñoCameron BrittonMack BaydaManuel Garcia-Rulfo

Is A Man Called Otto Appropriate for Your Child's Age?

✗Age 5: Not recommended for 5-year-olds
✗Age 8: Not recommended for 8-year-olds
✗Age 10: Not recommended for 10-year-olds
✗Age 12: Not recommended for 12-year-olds
✗Age 13: Not recommended for 13-year-olds
✓Age 15: Generally appropriate for 15-year-olds
✓Age 17: Generally appropriate for 17-year-olds

Individual children may vary — use your judgment.

Parents also ask about A Man Called Otto

  • Is A Man Called Otto appropriate for a 15-year-old?
  • Does A Man Called Otto have violence?
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