Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that A Brilliant Young Mind is heartwarming but also quite frank about the emotional cost of losing a parent as a young child -- and how that can shape your outlook into adulthood. The movie explores grief and all sorts of emotions that go with it, including anger, making it best for teens and up; younger kids might find it too sad and intense. Expect some adolescent flirting and kissing, cursing (including "f--k," "s--t," and more), a harrowing car accident (and the very sad aftermath), and a disturbing scene in which a character is shown violently scratching himself with a very sharp instrument. The main character, a teen who's on the autism spectrum, has communication challenges, but all of the adults in his life try very hard to connect with him and have his best interests in mind.
Sexual
Content
Teenagers kiss awkwardly. Inexperienced adults also kiss. Flirting.
Violence
A car accident involving a father and his young son is shown in fairly realistic manner; it's harrowing to experience as a viewer, especially seeing the aftermath through the eyes of a very young boy and his grief-stricken mother. One character is shown scratching his arms with a mathematical compass until he bleeds. An adult has a screaming fight with a teenage girl.
Language
Fairly frequent, and sometimes spoken by adults in front of teens. Words include "s--t," "f--k," "damn," and "bastard."
Social
Behavior
Tragedy can make you stronger. Even those who face extra challenges can succeed if they have the help and support of those who genuinely have your best interests in mind.
Consumerism
Oxford University plays a prominent role.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Social drinking.
