High School Musical

What’s it about?

After a popular high school athlete and an academically gifted student both get roles in the East High school musical, their unexpected friendship poses risk to the school’s current social order.

The facts

• Directed by Kenny Ortega
• Starring Zac Efron (The Greatest Showman), Vanessa Hudgens (The Princess Switch), Ashley Tisdale (Scary Movie 5), Corbin Bleu (Jump In!), and Lucas Grabeel (Switched at Birth)
• English and Spanish languages
• Runtime: 98 minutes
• Disney original

Why did it get this rating?

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Bullying and unkind words

The film portrays bullying through social pressure and exclusion. Popular students discourage others from stepping outside their cliques, using guilt and peer pressure to enforce the status quo. The film highlights how high school culture can stifle individuality but ultimately encourages self-expression.

The coach, who is also the athlete’s father, discourages him from joining the musical, believing it will distract from his responsibilities on the team.

Themes of bullying and discouragement are subtle but might warrant a conversation with younger tamariki about the actions of some characters. 

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Brain development – how it works, why it matters