Published: 11 Jan 2021
Curriculum links: This case study can be used for those studying ‘Critical Approaches to Film: Section A - Contemporary British and US Film’ on the A-level OCR specification.

Disney’s Zootropolis (Rich Moore, Byron Howard, Jared Bush) is set in a fictional city in which animals live in harmony together. The film includes Jason Batemen, Ginnifer Goodwin and Idris Elba amongst its voice cast and won the 2017 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It is rated PG for mild threat.
Classification Issues
Mild Threat
There are occasional scenes of mild threat in the film. This includes an opening scene of bullying behaviour in which a fox character, Nick, threatens a rabbit character, Judy, before pushing her on the ground and slashing at her face, causing a small injury. Although the characters are non-human, the bullying context is nonetheless something that many viewers, including children, may relate to from their lived experiences. Given this context, it’s possible that this scene of threat could carry greater impact for people, particularly younger children, as its themes are grounded within a real-world scenario.
Whilst this factor does make the threat more intense, there are several mitigating factors which lessen the severity of the sequence. The film’s treatment of the bullying theme offers positive messages of perseverance and defiance that could be of particular value to younger audiences. For example, the narrative strongly condemns bullying behaviour and Judy, the victim, handles her experiences with resilience, using them as a motivator to achieve her dream career. As a result, the issue is suitably placed at PG in accordance with our Classification Guidelines.
Other moments of threat include some scary sequences in which animals turn ‘savage’ and threaten other animals with their claws and teeth. In one scene, a heroic character chases a more vulnerable animal and appears to grab her by the throat. Although this is intense and potentially distressing, it’s quickly established that both characters are pretending and no one is harmed. In another sequence, an action packed train chase in which the film’s heroes are in danger is intense, but the scene is not particularly prolonged and it ends reassuringly. These sequences are therefore also acceptable at PG.

Additional Classification Issues
Drugs
There are some innocuous allusions to drug preparation and drug paraphernalia in a scene in which an animal appears to be creating an illegal substance. However, in the context of the narrative, it’s clear that the substance is not a drug, nor does the substance result in any pleasurable experience for the characters consuming it. The drug referencing is very subtle and relies on an adult understanding of such matters meaning that, in practice, any younger viewers watching the sequence are unlikely to take away any potentially harmful understanding of drug misuse.
Nudity
Comic nudity also briefly occurs when the film’s two protagonists visit ‘The Mystic Spring Oasis’: a naturalist club. However, the ‘nudity’ is tongue in cheek with the animal characters’ ‘nudity’ simply alluding to their fur. While a little rude, this humour is not crudely presented and would have been acceptable at a U age rating.
Language
The film includes use of occasional very mild bad language ('bummer', 'moron', 'jerk', 'God'), all acceptable within a PG rating.
Discrimination
Zootopia’s themes could be described as an allegory – or metaphor – for themes of prejudice and discrimination. As the film never overtly mentions these issues in either dialogue or story, the issue is not reflected in our content advice or extended content advice.

Discussion points
The film is rated PG for mild threat. Our PG ratings are benchmarked for children aged 8 years of age. Do you agree with the age rating? Explain your reasons.
The film was released in 3D. In what ways do you think the 3D format could affect the threat in the film? Think about the impact 3D could have on different types of audiences.
Exploring Zootropolis as a crime-drama, what genre conventions can you spot? Crime dramas often get higher age ratings due to containing stronger violence. How have the filmmakers adapted the genre conventions to make them appropriate for younger viewers?
The film is rated PG, which stands for ‘parental guidance’. Why do you think it’s important that children watch Zootropolis with an adult. Think about the content advice and themes of the film in your answer.
Many films aimed at children are animated. Why do you think this is? Do you think the film would still be rated PG if it was live action?
Suggested Viewing
Tangled (Byron Howard, Nathan Greno, 2010). PG
Wreck-it-Ralph (Rich Moore, 2012). PG
Luca (Enrico Casarosa, 2021). U