Our take
William Tell is a 14th-century Swiss legend retold as a large-scale action drama about resisting Austrian occupation. Expect battle violence, arrows, sword fights, and themes of freedom and family sacrifice. Mild profanity appears in dialogue. Best for teens who enjoy historical epics
Uplifting themes
Freedom, courage, and defending community drive the legend William Tell stands up to tyranny to protect his family and people
AMU ages are independent editorial opinions. They are not legal classifications and are not issued by the Classification Board, the MPAA, or any other official classification body. Official labels on this site, such as PG or R, come from those bodies or our data sources, not from AMU. AMU guides are not a substitute for official classification. Cuts and details can differ by version. Use them as one input only. You decide what is right for your family.
Story (may spoil tone)
The narrative unfolds in the 14th Century, when the European nations vie for supremacy within the Holy Roman Empire. The ambitious Austrian Empire, desiring more land, invades neighbouring Switzerland, a serene and pastoral nation. Protagonist William Tell, a formerly peaceful hunter, finds himself forced to take action as his family and homeland come under threat from the oppressive Austrian King and his ruthless warlords.
Details
Violence Battle sequences, arrows, and combat during the Swiss resistance story
Battle sequences, arrows, and combat during the Swiss resistance story
Language Moderate profanity and harsh insults in wartime dialogue
Moderate profanity and harsh insults in wartime dialogue
Sex / nudity Romantic references; no explicit nudity or sex scenes stood out
Romantic references; no explicit nudity or sex scenes stood out
Drugs / alcohol No drugs found in this title
No drugs found in this title
Frightening No frightening found in this title
No frightening found in this title
Self-harm / suicide No self-harm found in this title
No self-harm found in this title
Sexual violence No sexual violence found in this title
No sexual violence found in this title
Child peril / abuse Tell is forced to shoot an apple from his son's head
Tell is forced to shoot an apple from his son's head
Bullying / discrimination No bullying found in this title
No bullying found in this title
Gore / death / weapons No gore found in this title
No gore found in this title
Dangerous behaviour No dangerous behavior found in this title
No dangerous behavior found in this title
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health No mental health found in this title
No mental health found in this title
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement Loss and sacrifice echo through the occupation conflict
Loss and sacrifice echo through the occupation conflict
Talk after watching
- William fights to protect his homeland. When is rebellion justified in history?
- Epic films blend real history with legend. What parts might be myth rather than fact?
- Family and community motivate William. Who would you stand up for under pressure?