Breakdown: 1975 is a 2025 American documentary film that blends film history, social commentary, and cultural analysis.
The documentary is directed by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville and written by a team of film historians and cultural critics.
Featured voices include Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, Ellen Burstyn, Albert Brooks, Josh Brolin, Patton Oswalt, Seth Rogen, Peter Bart, and others, with narration by Jodie Foster.
The film explores how the social and political turmoil of 1975 America fueled a wave of bold, disruptive cinema. Using iconic films like Taxi Driver, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Network, and Jaws, the documentary examines how filmmakers transformed national disillusionment into groundbreaking art. Breakdown: 1975 premieres on Netflix on December 19, 2025.
Breakdown: 1975 Age Rating
Breakdown: 1975 is rated TV-MA (Mature Audiences Only) for strong language, disturbing film clips, and mature thematic material. This rating means the documentary is intended for adults and may be unsuitable for viewers under 17. The film includes unsanitized discussions and footage from R-rated classics of the 1970s, presented in their original context. While educational in intent, the documentary does not soften the content of the era it examines.
Violence & Peril
The documentary includes clips from classic 1970s films that feature violence and psychological distress. This may include gun violence, shootings, institutional abuse, and intense emotional breakdowns shown briefly in analysis segments. While the violence is contextual and archival, some scenes are graphic and unsettling, especially when discussing films like Taxi Driver and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
Language
Strong profanity is present throughout the documentary. This comes from both archival film clips and candid interviews with filmmakers and critics. The language reflects the raw, unfiltered nature of 1970s cinema and the honest discussions surrounding it.
Mature Themes
The documentary addresses heavy topics such as social collapse, mental illness, political corruption, war trauma, media exploitation, and moral ambiguity. Themes of alienation, institutional failure, and cultural disillusionment are central. There are also references to substance abuse, smoking, and adult psychological distress as part of the historical discussion.
Is Breakdown: 1975 Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12 and under: Not suitable. The mature themes, strong language, and disturbing film clips are inappropriate for younger viewers.
Ages 13–16: Not recommended. While film-focused teens may find the subject interesting, the TV-MA content and intense themes make this documentary better suited for adults.
Ages 17+: Suitable for mature teens with strong interest in film history, with parental context. The documentary is best suited for adults and older teenagers who can handle complex material.
Overall recommendation: Breakdown: 1975 is best suited for adults and mature older teens interested in cinema and cultural history.
What Parents Can Do
- Provide historical context: Explain the social and political climate of 1970s America before viewing.
- Discuss film clips: Talk about why these films were controversial and how cinema reflects society.
- Preview if unsure: Parents may want to watch first due to intense clips and strong language.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Breakdown: 1975?
A: The documentary is rated TV-MA for strong language, disturbing film clips, and mature themes.
Q: Is Breakdown: 1975 appropriate for teens?
A: It is not recommended for viewers under 17 due to its adult subject matter and TV-MA rating.
Q: Does the documentary include violent scenes?
A: Yes, it includes brief but intense clips from classic R-rated films featuring violence and psychological distress.
Q: Is there strong language in Breakdown: 1975?
A: Yes. Profanity appears in interviews and archival footage.
Q: Does the film include sexual content or nudity?
A: Some archival film clips may include brief nudity or sexual references, depending on the films discussed.
Q: Where can I watch Breakdown: 1975?
A: The documentary premieres on Netflix on December 19, 2025.