Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this multiple award-winning film about the wrenching truths of divorce and its effects on both parents and kids has moments of great humor as well as heartbreak. Watching the relationship between a clueless dad (as he becomes a dedicated, loving father) and his young son (as he learns to deal with the pain of losing his mother) is suspenseful, very intense, and highly moving. Made in 1979, the filmmakers made a groundbreaking effort to treat a mother, who leaves her young son behind, with dignity and understanding. Following a bedroom scene showing two adults after a sexual encounter, a naked woman comes face to face with a little boy in the hallway (breasts clearly visible as she attempts to cover her genitals); the moment is played for comic effect and embarrassment rather than sexual provocativeness. In one tense, lengthy sequence, a child falls from a jungle gym, is rushed to an emergency hospital, and undergoes stitches on camera. There is occasional swearing ("goddammit"). Adult beverages are consumed in a number of social situations, and, once, the dad uses alcohol after a particularly difficult argument with his son. A few people smoke.

Sexual Content

A couple is shown in bed after having sex. In what is intended to be comically embarrassing, the nude woman gets up and goes into the hallway, where she unexpectedly encounters a 6-year-old boy and uses her hands to cover her genitalia, but her breasts are visible. She's also seen fully naked from behind. Some couples are seen kissing at a holiday party.

Violence

In a suspenseful sequence, Billy, age 6, falls from a jungle gym. His face is bloody, and his father rushes through city streets to get him to an emergency room, where a doctor stitches a gash in his face. Some tension during father-son arguments; the dad carries the screaming boy to his room.

Language

Multiple instances of "goddamn it." One "s--t" and one "bastard."

Social Behavior

Encourages understanding, sensitivity, responsibility, and tenderness in child-parent relationships, focusing on father-child. Advocates hear both sides of the story and respect differing points of view. The film gives forceful examples of positive ways of dealing with disappointment, anger, and fear.

Consumerism

Some grocery items are seen on market shelves and in the Kramer kitchen (among them are Tab, Tide, Special K and Total cereals, Schrafft's ice cream). A few liquor brands are visible on a bar counter (Seagram, Beefeater, JB). Singer sewing machine, Burberry, Miriam Rigler Bridal store.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Casual social drinking occurs in several dinner, restaurant, and party scenes. Ted Kramer pours himself a drink after a particularly difficult moment with his little boy. A few characters smoke upon occasion.