Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this Paul Giamatti dramedy based on the novel by Mordecai Richler is heavy on strong language (including "f--k" and "s--t") and sexual innuendo and situations (including a scene of a topless woman). There's also some violence (a gun is brandished, and there's lots of arguing), as well as almost constant drinking and smoking, and one character is an addict. Teens may not be sucked in by the story of a middle-aged ne'er-do-well anyway.
Sexual
Content
Viewers see two sex acts in progress and one about to occur, but true nudity is limited to one scene with a topless woman and some nude paintings. Frequent sex talk and sexual innuendo. The main character is married to three women during the course of the movie and is said to have had sex with all of them, as well as with a fourth woman.
Violence
Plenty of shouting and arguing. A gun is pulled in one scene, though the resulting violence occurs off-screen, with no blood shown.
Language
Strong, frequent swearing includes "f--k," "s--t," "c--ksucker," "prick," "son of a bitch," "t-ts," "schtupping," "schmuck," "p---y," "vagina," "a--hole," "hell," and "Jesus Christ" (used as an exclamation).
Social
Behavior
Ultimately, not much is learned or accomplished here. Characters behave terribly -- but also warmly from time to time; it's messy, but so is life.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Characters drink almost constantly, often to the point of drunkenness. The hero goes to a bar to watch hockey and get drunk; he also drinks in restaurants and at home. He also smokes cigars almost constantly. A secondary character is shown to be an addict, and drugs such as "horse" (heroin), opium, and hash are mentioned.
