Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that the violent images in this film about genocide in Rwanda are hard to look at, especially scenes of children's bloody bodies. While the killings depicted in the movie are, famously, conducted primarily by machete, most of these attacks actually occur just outside the frame, though the killers' intent and effects are clear (lots of bloody aftermath). Militia men appear in various states of hysteria, aggression, and drunkenness. In one very sad scene, a father asks the departing UN captain to shoot the refugees left behind so that they won't have to suffer death by machete. Some language, drinking, and smoking, and one character admits her own racism.

Sexual Content

Very mild flirting between Joe and Marie.

Violence

Brutal, frequent murders occur by shooting and -- mostly -- by machete (though most of the hacking occurs just out of frame, it's clear what's going on, and the blades are bloody); UN soldiers don't fight back against Tutsi militia members, who maraud with weapons, yelling and terrifying the Hutus; bodies shown frequently are bloody, decaying (flies buzz), and upsetting (several children's bodies appear explicitly); suggestion that nuns have been raped (Father Christopher covers their bodies in a particular way).

Language

Several "f--k"s, plus other profanity, including "hell," "s--t," and "s--te."

Social Behavior

Brutal rebels are relentless in their pursuit of genocide; UN soldiers are ordered not to fight back; white Europeans are evacuated, while black Rwandans are left to be killed; the film indicts many official and personal decisions. Racism is an issue; one white, British character admits to her own racist beliefs.

Consumerism

Not applicable.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Cigarette smoking and beer drinking.