Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this film tackles numerous social and political issues within a religious context, including the concepts of interfaith marriages, gender roles, socialism, religious intolerance, and more. Smaller children may be spooked by the movie's portrayal of the violence of the Russian soldiers, and may also be frightened by the film's ending, in which the inhabitants of a small Jewish village are forced out of their homes by soldiers. Expect some celebratory drinking.
Sexual
Content
Not applicable
Violence
There are a number of incidents which show religious persecution of the Jewish population in a small Russian village. A young girl is accosted and bullied by some teens. Soldiers on horseback threaten the residents, vandalize the town, disrupt a wedding, knock people down and destroy their belongings. Finally, all the Jews are expelled from the village; soldiers order them from their homes at sword point, dispersing crowds, and manhandling everyone. A comic, but scary, musical dream sequence conjures up ghostly presences which pop up from graves and float in the air. The dead return to life to frighten the living.
Language
Not applicable
Social
Behavior
The inherent evil of religious persecution is portrayed and can easily be extended to include all bigotry toward minorities. As a counterpoint, the film shows the resilience and strength of the oppressed people, as well as the powerful family and community ties which helped them survive with unbreakable spirit. In addition, as the world rapidly evolves because of expanding communication, increased multiculturalism, and changing values, even the most precious traditions may be left behind.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
On several occasions alcoholic beverages are consumed either for religious ceremonial purposes or in celebration. In one festive sequence, the hero and many of his cronies get very drunk. He suffers a hangover the next day.
