Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this 1970 adaptation of Joseph Heller's classic satire of warfare and the military presents an unsentimental picture of war. There are several scenes of graphic violence, including a shot of a dying soldier's bloody intestines, plus a man being cut in half by a fighter plane. Soldiers go to brothels and there are a couple scenes of nudity. Though dark, the movie includes plenty of black humor, which takes some of the edge off the violence. While not right for every teen, the film provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the harsh realities of warfare along with the film's deeper, timeless message.
Sexual
Content
Soldiers are seen frequenting brothels. There are two instances of full-frontal female nudity, and one of a male's naked backside.
Violence
Plentiful scenes of soldiers injured, dead, or dying. A man's stabbing is shown twice in the film. A scene of an injured and dying soldier inside a bomber as Yossarian tries to save his life, is shown repeatedly, and is later revealed to have his side open and bloody, with exposed intestines. A prostitute's body is found on the street after having been thrown out an open window by a character who has raped her. Rape is discussed, but not shown. A pilot in a propeller plane swoops too low and is shown graphically cutting a man in half at the waist with his wing. Shortly after, the pilot commits suicide by flying into the side of a hill.
Language
While not constant, soldiers and officers do say "bastard" and "son of a bitch" from time to time. "F--k" is used once, as is the middle finger.
Social
Behavior
War and its accompanying bureaucracy, rather than being glamorized, is scorned and ridiculed.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Characters smoke cigarettes quite regularly, as was the norm of the era, and one of the main characters is always seen with a pipe. While on leave from the base, the characters are seen drinking wine.
