Is there a lot of swearing in the movie?

Yes, the dialogue is fairly salty. It’s not 'Scorsese movie' levels of profanity, but it’s definitely consistent with a movie rated for older teens and adults.

How violent does it actually get?

The violence is mostly slapstick but with real consequences. People die from explosions, being frozen, and being crushed. There's no 'slasher' gore, but the deaths are cold and sudden.

Do you need to know Swedish history to enjoy it?

Not at all. While the main character is Swedish, the history he interacts with is global—the Atomic Bomb, the Cold War, and various world dictators. If you know the basics of the 20th century, you'll get the jokes.

Is it better than the book?

The book by Jonas Jonasson is a global bestseller and has more room for the historical vignettes. The movie is a condensed, more visual version of that same chaotic energy. If your kid likes the movie, the book is an easy 'yes' for their reading list.

The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2013

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Forrest Gump meets Weekend at Bernie's in this Swedish dark comedy about a centenarian who escapes his nursing home and accidentally joins a crime caper.

68%

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The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared

movie

PG, 2013

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Forrest Gump meets Weekend at Bernie's in this Swedish dark comedy about a centenarian who escapes his nursing home and accidentally joins a crime caper.

68%

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68%

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Screenwise Verdict

Think of this as the cynical, Swedish cousin to Forrest Gump. It’s a movie for the kid who thinks history is boring but loves a good heist story. Allan Karlsson is a 100-year-old protagonist who has more life in him than most teenagers, mostly because he’s spent his life blowing things up and not caring about the consequences.

It’s not 'safe' in the traditional sense—there’s a suitcase of drug money, a few dead bodies, and an elephant—but it’s deeply entertaining for families who like their humor with a bit of an edge. It’s a great pick for a movie night with older teens who are ready for something that isn't a superhero sequel.

Age Fit

Best for 14+; while Common Sense Media leans older, most high-schoolers can handle the dry Swedish humor and the subtitles. It's far too dark and cynical for younger kids who might be distressed by the 'funny' deaths.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It has a certain charm about the resilience of the human spirit, but it is built on a foundation of irreverence, heavy drinking, and a 'whatever happens, happens' attitude toward life and death.

Imaginative

The historical revisionism is top-tier. It's a creative romp through the 20th century that places a simple, bomb-loving Swede at the center of world-changing events.

Safe

This is dark comedy. People die in ridiculous ways—getting frozen in a locker, crushed by an elephant, or blown up. There is also plenty of swearing and casual interactions with historical monsters like Stalin and Franco.

Enriching

It's a great gateway to discussing 20th-century history and the absurdity of politics, plus it treats the elderly as active agents rather than passive observers.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Dry, absurdist wit that feels refreshing compared to standard Hollywood comedies.
Historical cameos that turn the 20th century into a series of fortunate (and explosive) accidents.
Subverts the 'old person' trope by giving Allan a life full of agency, explosives, and zero regrets.
Visually engaging cinematography that captures the scale of Allan's century-long journey.

⚠

What to Watch For

The violence is played for laughs but it is genuinely dark—think accidental deaths involving heavy machinery and deep freezers.
Allan's lifelong obsession with making things go boom might require a talk about 'don't try this at home,' even for older teens.
It's a foreign film; unless you find a dubbed version, your kid will need to be comfortable with subtitles for two hours.

Conversation Starters

"If you were turning 100 today, would you stay for the cake or climb out the window?"
"How did Allan's 'neutral' attitude toward politics actually end up changing history?"
"Why do you think the movie treats death as something so accidental and funny?"
"Which historical figure that Allan met was the most surprising to you?"

Deep Dive

The Anti-Forrest Gump

While Forrest Gump was about a man who accidentally participated in history because he was 'good,' The 100-Year-Old Man is about a man who participates in history because he likes explosives and doesn't particularly care about ideology. Allan Karlsson meets everyone from Truman to Stalin, not because he's a hero, but because he's a useful guy with a detonator. This irreverence is the film's greatest strength.

For a parent, the value here is in the perspective. It’s rare to see a film that treats aging with such zero-gravity lightness. Allan isn't looking for redemption or a legacy; he just wants a drink and a bit of excitement. This makes the movie feel surprisingly modern despite its 2013 release.

A Note on the 'Dark' in Dark Comedy

American audiences might find the casual nature of the deaths a bit jarring. In one scene, a character is accidentally locked in a freezer and essentially becomes a popsicle. It's played for a laugh, and the movie doesn't dwell on the tragedy. If your kid is sensitive to the value of human life being treated as a punchline, this might be a skip. But if they have a 'Coen Brothers' sensibility, they’ll find it hilarious.

Subtitles and Pacing

Being a Swedish production, the subtitles are a hurdle for some. However, the visual storytelling is strong enough that even if they miss a line or two, the slapstick and the sheer absurdity of an old man with an elephant and a suitcase of cash will keep them pinned to the screen. It's a solid 114 minutes that moves faster than you'd expect for a movie about a centenarian.

What Parents Ask

Stills

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