Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Amy is a no-holds-barred documentary about singer Amy Winehouse's impressive ascent and tragic end. As such, it's quite frank in its approach, with plenty of scenes showing Winehouse at her peak (singing for a friend as a teenager, that signature voice unmistakable), as well as at some of her most challenging and perhaps saddest moments: tweaking onstage as if she can't wait for her next fix, nodding off drunk, being hounded by the paparazzi. It's probably best for mature teens and adults who can better process what the singer appears to have gone through -- the pressures of fame, the pain of deep family dysfunction, an unhealthy relationship. Expect scenes in which Winehouse shows off her drug stash, drinks to oblivion, and is fondled by her husband. There's lots of swearing, too, including "s--t" and "f--k."
Sexual
Content
Some clips show Winehouse and her husband French kissing and groping each other. Open talk about them having lots of sex and discussing promiscuity.
Violence
References to arguments between Winehouse and her husband that sometimes devolved into self-harm, including cutting. Verbal scuffling. The paparazzi are increasingly menacing as Winehouse gets more famous.
Language
"Damn," "s--t," and occasional use of "f--k."
Social
Behavior
Everyone needs loyal friends and supportive family members who will be honest when necessary and have your best interests in mind. Also, hard work plus talent equals success -- but talent isn't always enough to buoy someone (Winehouse's fate can be seen as a cautionary tale).
Consumerism
Products/labels seen or mentioned include Tanqueray, Puma, Beck's, the Four Seasons, BMW, Vaseline, and Stella Artois.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Plenty of conversations about Winehouse's drug use (weed, crack cocaine, and heroin) and massive alcohol abuse. She's shown stumbling around high/inebriated, incoherent, and at one point exhibiting signs that she's jonesing for a fix. Lots of cigarette smoking and shots of tinfoil, presumably used to cook drugs.
