Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this serious drama deals with difficult issues faced by veterans of the Iraq war, including post-traumatic stress disorder, phantom pain, alcoholism, and lack of stateside resources. War violence -- including shooting and explosions (mortars, grenades, rockets, and disguised bombs) -- results in bloody injuries, deaths, and upset survivors. At home, characters suffer from flashbacks, nightmares, emotional disturbances, and physical disabilities. Family members argue, and characters swear frequently, smoke cigarettes, drink, and take/discuss prescription drugs.

Sexual Content

Kissing in bed precedes a cut to a post-sex couple lying in bed; kissing and caressing between couple (bra visible); nothing explicit.

Violence

The film begins in Iraq, during the war. Scenes include urban combat and ambush (a bomb disguised as a dead dog blows up a U.S. convoy, leaving bloodied bodies, and there are shoot-outs, foot and vehicle chases, and explosions). Flashbacks throughout the film repeat scenes of explosions and wounded soldiers, including Vanessa's bloody hand/missing fingers. Several scenes show the aftermath of war injuries, as Vanessa struggles with her prosthetic hand and physical therapy. Some difficult discussions of war experiences (killing others, seeing friends killed). Attempted hostage-taking ends in a police shooting death.

Language

Frequent use of "f--k," plus other language -- "s--t," "hell," "damn," "bitch," "p---y," "a--hole." A rude hand gesture is used; a T-shirt reads "Buck Fush."

Social Behavior

Iraq war veterans return home to face an unprepared VA hospital, frustrated and loving families, and a lack of social and economic options.

Consumerism

Amstel light, REI, Sun Chips.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Cigarette smoking (frequent); beer drinking; alcoholism (a veteran is abusive, angry, and miserable); discussion of prescription drugs (for pain, insomnia, and depression).