Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Far from the Madding Crowd is an adaptation of a Thomas Hardy novel (previously filmed in 1967). It's a romantic drama, but it's hardly all poetry and flowers: There are some shocking images of sheep falling over a cliff and smashing on rocks below, blood spatters and all, and characters die (including a baby). Dead bodies are shown, as are guns and swords; a character is shot, and a man is verbally abusive toward his wife. Characters kiss, and marital sex is implied. During one steamy kiss, a man touches a woman in the crotch area (over her dress). There's some social drinking during celebrations and parties; at one point, characters get drunk and sing a somewhat suggestive song. But ultimately, heroine Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) is presented as a surprisingly modern, strong female role model. Teen girls may swoon at the movie -- and also find someone to admire.
Sexual
Content
Passionate kissing. Touching a woman's crotch area (clothed). Sex in bed implied. A drinking song with somewhat sexual imagery.
Violence
Several sheep fall off a cliff and plunge to their deaths. Blood spatters are shown. Guns and swords are shown. Characters (and a baby) die; their dead bodies are shown. A man is verbally abusive toward his wife. Barn fire. Sick sheep are cured by stabbing them with a hollow stick to release pressure.
Language
A use of "stupid."
Social
Behavior
Celebrates hard work and frowns on easy means of getting money (i.e. gambling). Assumption that talent and skill will naturally pay off. A woman doesn't necessarily need a man to help her become successful or to support her, but marriage is fine if a couple loves each other.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Drinking and toasting at celebrations and parties. Characters get drunk in a social setting. Characters drink when angry, and drinking sometimes leads to irresponsibility.
