Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that High Strung is a celebration of the artistic life, looking at the hard work, perseverance, and dedication that make musicians and dancers become great, whether they're classically trained or hip-hop street performers. The emphasis is on working to improve your performance; to that end, dancers' bodies are shown off while they do their thing (clothed, but sometimes suggestively so). Male characters are also shown shirtless, and there's some kissing. Characters don't always make the smartest decisions (one student parties so much that it initially impacts her ability to perform, for instance), but many grow and learn key lessons over the course of the movie. The language is on the mild side -- "bitch," "butt," "screwed," etc. -- and there's some social drinking.

Sexual Content

Kissing. Male characters seen shirtless. Friends look for a sexy dress to wear to a party. A man and woman eye each other, recognizing a mutual attraction. A woman is kissed by a stranger who later becomes her boyfriend; it's implied that they're sleeping together. Dancers tango suggestively at a party. Friends describe a boyfriend as "sexy fierce."

Violence

Someone knocks a girl down in the subway. A lout knocks over a waiter's tray and then blames the waiter. Theft. Scuffles between friends.

Language

"Butt," "I'm screwed," "sucks," "pissing someone off," "bitch."

Social Behavior

Artists, dancers, and musicians should make art for the sake of art, not commerce. Even those with artistic talent need to study and work hard to become the best they can be. Music and dance are links to the soul. Don't strive for perfection; imperfections keep us alive.

Consumerism

Times Square signage.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Adults drink socially at a bar and a party. Someone suggests a guy is "chemically altered." A student's partying initially impacts her ability to perform at the top of her game (drinking isn't shown but is implied).