Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this fact-based drama celebrates one woman's tenacity and loyalty to her brother. It's uplifting and fairly moving, but given the heavy subject matter -- crime, prison, and difficult odds -- it's too intense for younger viewers. Some scenes depict characters examining graphic crime scene photos of a murdered woman, and the film begins with cameras moving through a house in which someone has been killed in a violent crime. There's also frequent swearing (including "s--t" and "f--k") and references to suicide.

Sexual Content

Couples kiss and flirt.

Violence

Disturbing images from a crime scene; graphic photos of a body are shown during trial. Much discussion of how a victim is killed. A man head-butts another during a bar fight. A character shows cuts he made on his wrists in an attempted suicide.

Language

Language includes many uses of "s--t" and "f--k," plus "bitch," "c--ksucker," "damn," "hell, "ass," goddamn," "oh my God," and more.

Social Behavior

Two messages come across clearly: First, that loyalty is a virtue, especially when bolstered by faith and love. Betty Anne never wavered in her belief that her brother was innocent, and it strengthened both of them. (The downside was that she clashed with others who did have doubts, sometimes destroying relationships.) Second, that you can achieve anything with focus and hard work. No matter how long it took, Betty Anne was determined to become a lawyer.

Consumerism

Signage and logos for Coca-Cola, Bushmill, Boston Globe.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Adult characters smoke cigarettes; they also drink in bars, sometimes to the point of inebriation.