Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Defending Your Life is a comedy-romance set in Judgment City, a short-term way station for the recently deceased. During each subject's stopover visit, he or she will be vetted and judged to determine whether or not they will "move forward" or be sent back to Earth to try again. It's all a matter of how "well" each person lived his or her most recent life. It's not a religious movie and has no religious content, but it is a fantasy about an afterlife. A few scenes include conflict or action (spoiler alert): Our hero dies in a car-bus accident (off camera), a very young child watches his parents argue bitterly, a school bully intimidates and fights, there's a snowboard accident, and there's a daring rescue during a home fire. There are a few sexual references (an all-nude strip club, adult books) and some mild innuendo and jokes ("I had sex with Ben Franklin"), and a couple discusses staying overnight together. Profanity includes "horses--t" and "balls." Expect social drinking in a few scenes, a reference to "getting stoned" in the past, and one mention of heroin. Because the comedy is based on real human experience, it's as relevant today as it was when it was made in 1991. Messages are life-affirming and strong and delivered with humor and insight. Best for teens and great for families with older kids to watch together.

Sexual Content

A couple discusses whether or not to spend the night together. A few sexual references ("had sex," "all nude," "better than sex," a strip club, adult books). A couple kisses several times.

Violence

A bus and car appear to have a head-on collision (offscreen). Though we never see the aftermath of the accident, the driver has been killed, and his post-death experience is the core of the movie's plot. All other action scenes are in flashback: childhood bullying, a brief tussle between classmates, and parents arguing spitefully. A man crashes a snowmobile, rolls. A home is on fire, and a mother runs in to rescue a pet.

Language

Occasional profanity: "horses--t," "hell," "butt," "piss," "balls," "fart," "penis envy," "damn."

Social Behavior

Live a life of bravery. Promotes courage, integrity, selflessness, and a willingness to risk and experience life to the fullest. Strongly discourages decision-making and behavior based on fear, shame, or embarrassment.

Consumerism

A BMW automobile is featured. Other products mentioned: Casio watch, Ford.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Wine, sake are consumed in social settings. Reference to a character being "stoned" in the past. Heroin mentioned.