Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this touching, mature indie dramedy -- based loosely on the experiences of writer/director Mike Mills -- revolves around a father coming out of the closet at the age of 75 and proceeding to live life as a gay man to the fullest despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The movie has some frank but not overt sexuality and sexual references; though sex is discussed, nudity is limited to one female breast. Language includes several uses of "f--k." Characters tend to drink fairly often, but not to drunkenness, and the father takes several prescription drugs for his illness (one sequence shows him high on Prednisone).
Sexual
Content
Lots of kissing, both between men and women and between men. The main character and his girlfriend sleep together; they're seen lying in bed. Viewers see Anna's breast. Some discussion about gay sex. Oliver and Anna peruse a Joy of Sex book in a bookstore, and some pictures are shown. Some naked paintings are on view.
Violence
Images of the shooting of Harvey Milk when characters watch The Times of Harvey Milk on television. In flashback, a mother and a young son play "shooting" games. Vandalism (graffiti).
Language
A recording of Allen Ginsberg reading his infamous poem Howl contains a line about getting "f--ked in the ass." "F--k" is also used several more times (particularly in one scene when fireworks are set off); "Jesus" and "oh my God" are used as exclamations.
Social
Behavior
The main character overcomes many difficult challenges. He has closed his heart due to too much loss and hurt, but when he sees his father opening his heart in spite of many obstacles, he slowly learns to do the same.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Hal, diagnosed with cancer, takes several pills; in one scene, he's high on Prednisone. The main character drinks at a party but doesn't get drunk. Hal has a party in his hospital room, with alcohol served.
