The film Patriots Day received an R rating from the Motion Picture Association (MPA) for its specific content. The official reasons cited for this rating are "violence, realistically graphic injury images, language throughout, and some drug use." These elements, particularly the intense and realistic depiction of the bombing's aftermath, were deemed inappropriate for viewers under the age of 17 without parental guidance.
The R rating is primarily a result of the film's unflinching docudrama style. The "violence" and "realistically graphic injury images" refer to the sequences depicting the Boston Marathon bombing and its immediate consequences, which include severe, life-threatening injuries shown in detail to convey the event's horror. The subsequent manhunt features intense, violent shootouts between the perpetrators and law enforcement. The "language throughout" component reflects the consistent use of strong, profane language by characters in high-stress situations, aiming for authenticity. Finally, the "some drug use" element, while a minor factor compared to the violence and language, also contributed to the restrictive rating.
Ultimately, the R rating serves as an advisory that the film prioritizes historical realism over broad audience accessibility. The filmmakers chose to portray the traumatic events and the subsequent investigation with a high degree of verisimilitude, which necessitated the inclusion of graphic, violent, and emotionally intense content. The rating signals to viewers that the material is mature and potentially disturbing, reflecting the gravity of the real-life tragedy it depicts.
