Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this mature drama from Oscar-nominated director Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel) is a heavy, lengthy movie filled with adult themes -- including crime, death, disease, adultery, sex, and drugs. There are many violent, scary, and disturbing images, the worst of which is a warehouse full of dead bodies killed by a malfunctioning gas heater. Very strong language includes dozens of uses of "f--k" and "s--t." There's also female nudity and sex, and characters both drink and snort cocaine. Many characters also smoke, including teens (an even younger character is said to be smoking, though vifewers don't see this). Overall the mood is very downbeat, but there are a few moments of hope and inspiration.

Sexual Content

The main character's ex-wife is seen fully naked. She gets physical with her ex's brother, climbing on top of him and kissing him. Other scenes include the same woman kissing her ex-husband and trying to give him oral sex and two men kissing, with one rubbing the other's crotch. A scene takes place in a sex club where the dancers wear weird costumes consisting of naked body parts in all the wrong places.

Violence

There's a very disturbing sequence involving the death of more than 20 immigrant workers, who meet their end due to a malfunctioning heater. This is followed by a gruesome attempt to get rid of the bodies. Cops chase people through the streets and beat them with clubs. Viewers see a fresh, bloody corpse, as well as an old, embalmed corpse. The main character urinates blood on more than one occasion. Characters yell at one another around the dinner table. Some creepy figures can be glimpsed on the ceiling, looking down at the hero.

Language

Many uses of "f--k" and "s--t," as well as "damn," "a--hole," "d--k," "son of a bitch," and "for God's sake."

Social Behavior

Uxbal is a good man who tries to help others; even when things go wrong, the movie makes it clear that his intentions were good -- which is a positive take-away. That said, in this movie there are only a few tiny rewards for a life full of misery.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Many characters smoke cigarettes, including teens and younger kids. One boy is said to have smoked (viewers don't see him), and he accidentally sets his mattress on fire. The main character drinks beer on many occasions. The street sellers are said to be dealing drugs on the side, though viewers don't see much. A scene in a club features lots of drinking and some cocaine use; the main character gets completely wasted after a night out.