Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this complex, original science-fiction fantasy movie from the director of The Dark Knight has lots of action and violence -- including guns, blood, fighting, car crashes, etc. -- as well as some slightly scary imagery. But it's very light on language, sexy stuff, and drinking, so teen fans of star Leonardo DiCaprio should be able to handle it. It's not an easy story to explain, but it's very easy to follow; parents and teens will likely want to talk at length about the story and may even find themselves wanting to go back for a second helping.
Sexual
Content
The main character pines for his dead wife, whom he still sees in his dreams. They share some intimate emotional moments, but there's no kissing, nudity, or sex. Two other characters share a brief kiss.
Violence
Though most of the movie's violence takes place in dreams and is therefore not "real," it includes guns and shooting, gunshot wounds with blood, fistfights, rioting, explosions, car chases, and car crashes. Characters scream in pain when shot or stabbed. In the movie, being "killed" or committing suicide can "wake" you out of the dream. One character is shot in the head, another is stabbed, and another plunges off a building to her death.
Language
A few uses of exclamations like "goddamn it" and "Jesus Christ," as well as "hell," "ass," and "damn."
Social
Behavior
Amid the intense scenes and images, the movie offers positive examples of teamwork and helping others. A subplot involving death and grieving also promotes acceptance and moving on. A more ambiguous message is sent by the main story, in which the characters try to plant an idea in someone's head against his will -- but manage to bring him a kind of peace in the process.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Adult characters drink wine, beer, and champagne, but no one overindulges.
