Silence

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2016

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Scorsese's brutal, magnificent meditation on faith—nearly three hours of torture, doubt, and theological wrestling that will wreck you.

7.2/10

83%

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Silence

movie

R, 2016

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Scorsese's brutal, magnificent meditation on faith—nearly three hours of torture, doubt, and theological wrestling that will wreck you.

7.2

83%

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7.2/10

83%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a masterpiece—if you're an adult cinephile interested in theological questions and can stomach nearly three hours of brutal, slow-burn suffering. Scorsese crafted something genuinely profound here about faith, doubt, and the cost of conviction.

But let's be real: this is not family movie night. It's not even teen movie night unless you have a particularly mature 17-year-old taking AP Religious Studies. The violence is graphic and relentless. The pacing is glacial. The runtime is punishing. Even viewers who appreciate what Scorsese is doing will feel wrung out by the end.

For parents? This is one to watch on your own if you're interested in challenging, adult cinema. But keep it far away from kids—the graphic torture alone disqualifies it, and the slow, philosophical pacing means even curious teens will likely check out before the first hour is done.

Age Fit

This is adult cinema, period. Common Sense Media says 16+, but realistically, this is for college-age viewers and adults who are specifically interested in religious philosophy and can handle graphic violence. Most teens will find it boring and disturbing in equal measure.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Scorsese's film depicts brutal religious persecution with graphic torture, beheadings, and crucifixions. While it explores faith and sacrifice with maturity, the relentless violence and psychological torment create an emotionally punishing experience. This is not about modeling kindness—it's about witnessing suffering.

Imaginative

Visually stunning cinematography captures 17th-century Japan with meticulous detail. The film poses profound philosophical questions about faith, silence, and the nature of God that invite deep reflection. However, it's more contemplative than imaginative—this is slow, meditative cinema, not creative exploration.

Safe

Rated R for 'disturbing violent content.' IMDb rates violence as 'Severe.' Common Sense Media confirms graphic torture, beheadings, drownings, and crucifixions. People are burned alive, trampled, and subjected to psychological torment. Kids-in-Mind gives it an 8 for violence. This is absolutely not safe for children—it's designed to disturb.

Enriching

A masterwork from Scorsese exploring faith, doubt, colonialism, and cultural collision. Strong critical reception (83% RT critics, 79 Metacritic) reflects its intellectual depth. It raises genuine theological and ethical questions about missionary work, cultural imperialism, and the cost of conviction. Deeply enriching for mature viewers who can handle its weight.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Scorsese at his most ambitious—a passion project decades in the making with stunning cinematography
Raises profound questions about faith, doubt, and the cost of conviction that stick with you for days
Strong performances from Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, and Liam Neeson anchor the theological debates
Explores cultural imperialism and the collision between Christianity and Japanese culture with nuance
For mature viewers interested in religious philosophy, it's genuinely enriching cinema

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic torture throughout—beheadings, crucifixions, drownings, people burned alive—all depicted on screen
Nearly three hours long with slow, meditative pacing that will test even engaged viewers
Psychologically heavy—the film is designed to make you feel the weight of suffering and doubt
Common Sense Media suggests 16+, but honestly, even interested 16-year-olds may find this a slog
This is not entertainment—it's a challenging art film about religious persecution

Conversation Starters

"What do you think the film is saying about the relationship between faith and suffering?"
"Do you think the priests should have apostatized to save the Japanese Christians? What would you have done?"
"How does the film portray the cultural clash between European missionaries and Japanese society?"
"What do you make of the title—why is God's silence the central question of the film?"

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Silence – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise