Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this Clint Eastwood-directed drama (which stars Matt Damon) deals with the weighty subjects of death and the afterlife and may prove too intense for tweens and younger teens. At moments -- especially when examining how death affects those left behind -- it's steeped in melancholy; one child even loses his twin brother. The first 10 minutes (which recreate 2004's horrific tsunami) are realistically terrifying; there are also other upsetting sequences involving a car accident, some swearing (including "f--k"), and a character who's addicted to drugs. Still, the movie tackles its tough subjects with empathy and raises significant questions about faith and grief.
Sexual
Content
Couples flirt, embrace, and kiss.
Violence
The movie opens with a frighteningly realistic portrayal of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that claimed thousands of lives. Viewers see the water sweeping into the coast and engulfing homes and people, including a woman who gets hit by a vehicle. Another scene shows a boy being run over by a car as he tries to escape the clutches of a bullying mob. Frank discussion of death and how some people die; one character brings up a secret about sexual abuse.
Language
Limited use of "s--t" and "f--k," plus "crap," "oh my God," and more.
Social
Behavior
Though the movie's themes are heavy, it has a somewhat hopeful message about life after death. Nobody is vilified in the film for either believing or not believing in the idea of the hereafter. There's also a longing for connection that rings true.
Consumerism
Product names/labels shown include Nikon, Coca-Cola, Vicks, Virgin, and BlackBerry.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
One woman is an addict; her arms are shown with syringe marks. Some social drinking.
