Lee
NZ release: 17 October 2024
Holocaust imagery, sexual violence references and offensive language Rated on: 02 July 2024
What’s it about?
Lee is a biopic about Lee Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II. Focusing mostly on her experiences on the front lines, the film is based on the biography The Lives of Lee Miller by Antony Penrose, Lee’s son.
The facts
- Directed by Ellen Kuras
- English language
- Runtime: 117 minutes
- Based on the biography The Lives of Lee Miller by Antony Penrose, Lee’s son
Why did it get this rating?
This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about the classification process and ratings here.
Holocaust imagery
Towards the end of the film there are scenes showing Nazi concentration camps. Piles of naked dead bodies are seen on train carriages, in gas chambers and on the grounds around the camp. Both Lee and her colleague Davy are visibly distressed from seeing this horror and the smell of the dead bodies. While the images are quite brief these scenes could have a strong impact on viewers.
Injuries and medical procedures
Scenes in an army camp hospital show a leg amputation taking place. These images are blurred, which work to minimise the impact on the viewer. Several other scenes show bloodied and bandaged soldiers.
Sexual violence references
Throughout the film there are references to sexual violence. These are talked about or shown as an act of sexual violence is about to happen but are then stopped by another character. Sexual violence of young children is also referenced.
Violence
War violence occurs throughout the film, including shootings and bombings.
Sex and nudity
There are several scenes showing breasts and the occasional implied sex scene, either cutting to the morning after or hearing sexual moans coming from another room.
Offensive language
Offensive and coarse language including f***ing, sh***y and wh*re is used occasionally, mostly in moments of stress, anger, or excitement.
Suicide/self-harm
‘Suicide pacts’ are talked about, and a scene is shown where a family is dead in a living room after presumably drinking cyanide to escape Nazi capture.
Helplines
The holocaust imagery and sexual violence could be upsetting for some viewers. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:
