The 2025 film, The King of Color, is a documentary that explores the life and important work of Lawrence Herbert, the man widely known as “The King of Color.” At 96 years old, Herbert is recognized as a visionary whose groundbreaking idea completely changed how the world uses and talks about color, though his name may not be famous to everyone.
The film explains that Herbert grew up in Brooklyn during the Great Depression and entered a printing and manufacturing world where color was messy, confusing, and often subjective. To fix this problem, he created the Pantone Matching System, a revolutionary invention that gave the world a standard, universal language for color.
This system has had a huge effect on art, design, and commerce across all industries. The movie, which is directed by Patrick Creadon, is a biographical documentary based on real-life events. It features an exclusive interview with Lawrence Herbert himself, offering a rare look into the mind behind the Pantone innovation.
The film had a limited theatrical release starting on December 12, 2025, in the United States and is a story that honors Herbert’s lasting legacy and influence on how we perceive and use color today.
The King of Color Age Rating
The King of Color is rated PG by the MPAA for some thematic elements, language, and smoking. This means the movie is generally suitable for most children but may include material needing parental explanation. The rating signals mild mature material and brief strong language. Parents should note smoking appears and occasional adult terms are used.
Violence & Peril
There is no notable physical violence or peril in the film. The documentary focuses on history, business, and personal memory. Any tense moments come from archival footage or interview recollection. The tone is reflective rather than frightening.
Language
Language is mild to occasional moderate. A few brief instances of strong language appear in interviews or archival clips. No pervasive profanity or slurs drive the film’s content. The overall dialogue is informational and respectful.
Mature Themes
The film explores adult topics like career struggle, industry pressure, and creative obsession. It also touches on smoking and workplace stress. There is a discussion of historical periods, including the Depression and postwar industry practices. No sexual content or nudity is present.
Is The King of Color Suitable for Teens?
Ages 0–6: No. The film is a talking-head documentary. Young children will not follow the subject matter. It also contains historical references and smoking that are not aimed at this age.
Ages 7–12: With guidance. Older children may grasp the basic story. Parents should explain the historical context and the meaning of smoking in archival footage.
Ages 13–17: Yes, with guidance. Teens can learn from the film about design, industry, and invention. Encourage discussion about careers, standards, and creative problem solving.
Final recommendation: Suitable for most teens thirteen and older, with a short pre-viewing chat about context and brief language.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch the film first to judge tone and language. Prepare a short explanation of why the Pantone system matters.
- Use the film as a learning moment. Discuss how standards shape design, branding, and careers.
- If smoking appears, point out the context. Explain that smoking was common in the past business culture, not an endorsement.
FAQs
Q: What is the official MPAA rating for The King of Color?
A: The King of Color is rated PG for some thematic elements, language, and smoking.
Q: Is The King of Color appropriate for kids and teens?
A: It is best for teens. Ages 13+ will get the most from the film with parent guidance.
Q: Are there any violent or scary scenes?
A: No. The documentary is reflective and not frightening.
Q: Does the film contain strong language or slurs?
A: The film contains only a few brief instances of stronger language. No slurs are a central part of the film.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: No. The film does not include sexual content or nudity.
Q: Where can I watch The King of Color?
A: The film opened in limited U.S. theaters on December 12, 2025. Wider or streaming availability may follow.