Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this film, which earned actress Melissa Leo an Oscar nomination for Best Actress as well as a nomination for Best Original Screenplay, is a serious, strong, and well-made drama loaded with topics worthy of serious discussion, as well as some harsh language. Parents also need to know that the film is not shy about depicting illegal activity and working-class poverty.

Sexual Content

Brief images of people stripped down to their underwear. Scantily-clad dancers in a strip club, fully-clothed, writhe.

Violence

Threats are made with guns. Fighting and scuffling. Discussion of suicide bombing. An infant is, unknowingly, placed in mortal danger. A fire consumes a home. A blowtorch is brandished in anger.

Language

Some profanity, including "bulls--t," "goddamn," multiple variatons on 'f--k," and more. Ethnic slurs and racial language, such as "Paki" and more.

Social Behavior

The film's entire plot revolves around a number of ethical questions: What are national borders? What makes the law? What does it say when a person can make more money breaking the law than they could in weeks of "honest" labor? What makes immigration "legal" or "Illegal," and what does it say that people are so desperate to come to the United States that they'll endure any hardship to get there? There are also discussions of the differences between "whites" and Native Americans. There's also depiction and discussion of gambling addiction.

Consumerism

Some brands mentioned, including Hot Wheels, Pringles, and more.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Extensive smoking. Drinking of beer, wine, and alcohol depicted. Discussion of drug use, drug smuggling.