The Apprentice

What’s it about?

In this biographical drama, Donald Trump builds his real estate empire in New York in the 1970s and 80s, mentored by attorney Roy Cohn.

The facts 

• Directed by Ali Abbasi
• Stars Emmy nominee Sebastian Stan and Emmy winner Jeremy Strong
• English language
• Runtime: 120 minutes

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.

Rape

There is one scene in the film where Donald Trump rapes his wife Ivana. The scene is short but impactful. The couple fight verbally, insulting one another. Donald then pushes Ivana to the ground and tears at her robe. He pins her down, lying on top of her and raping her. The scene focuses on her face during the assault, but it is clear what is happening. This scene may be particularly distressing for anyone who has experienced rape or sexual violence.

Although Ivana pushes Donald’s hand away in public after the rape scene, she mostly tries to appear happy. The film doesn’t explore her personal experience or show the emotional impact on her as a victim.

Sex and nudity

There are several brief but graphic sex scenes in the film. An orgy with five naked men participating is shown briefly at a party. In another scene, Trump receives oral sex from a naked woman. Full-frontal female nudity is briefly shown.

Breast nudity appears on several occasions during the film, in party scenes and a montage showing Trump and his then-girlfriend having sex in bed.

There are several sexual references in the film, for example, “I’d love to get a blow job on Air Force One”.

Offensive language

Swearing and the use of offensive ethnic and homophobic slurs is frequent throughout the film. Examples include “f**k” and variations of the word: “F**ker”, “f**k you”, “I bet you “f**k a lot”. “Sh*t” and “cock” also feature frequently, for example “cock-sucking nobody”.

Slurs include “fa***t”, “fairy” “homo”, “communist c**t”, “pinko k**e”.

Drug use

Cocaine is shared liberally at a party.

Donald Trump discusses using prescription amphetamines as ‘diet pills’, and their added benefit of keeping him awake. He is seen taking the pills during stressful moments, and is later advised by his physician to stop using them.

Medical procedures

Trump undergoes surgery to remove a bald spot on his scalp and get liposuction to his belly. We see a chunk of flesh removed from the scalp and transferred to a dish in the operating theatre, followed by surgical stapling of the scalp. We see instruments for liposuction going in and out of his abdomen, and fluid draining out.

Helplines

Depictions of sexual violence could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have had similar experiences. 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:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information 

Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?