Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Louder Than Words is a film about grief and remaking a family after a tragedy -- in this case, the death of a child. Given that subject matter, the film is likely best for teens or mature tweens. Attempts are made to lighten the heavy themes and unmistakable messages -- using sunny flashbacks and voice-over narration, as well as a positive outcome -- but sadness is the prevailing emotion. Many scenes take place in a hospital, turning from bleak to hopeless in grim surroundings. Occasional swearing is heard (i.e., "pissed," "crap," "hell," plus one use of "f--k"), a married couple kisses and passionately embraces in their bedroom, and a young woman is glimpsed in bed with a boyfriend. Characters (including three college-aged kids) drink alcoholic beverages in many social settings, but there's no drunkenness; the young people also smoke cigarettes.
Sexual
Content
A married couple kisses and shares some passionate embraces in their bedroom. A young woman is briefly seen in bed with a man previously mentioned as a "boyfriend."
Violence
The film's story centers on a family dealing with a child's death. A distraught woman loses her temper and throws dishes to the floor.
Language
Occasional swearing includes "crap," "hell," "bastard," "Jesus" (as an exclamation), "pissed off," "screw," and one use of "f--k."
Social
Behavior
The film explores the variety of ways in which people cope with grief. It also encourages open communication within a family and provides an example of turning tragic circumstances into positive action.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Adults drink wine and beer in social settings in several scenes. College-aged kids smoke throughout the movie and drink beer in their home in one instance.
