Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there are mature conversations having to do courtship (including same-sex) and marriage in this period romance. Some messages regarding slave life and its myths could be offensive to viewers (for example, "Mulattoes are like mules; they cannot breed with each other"). However, the heroes in this movie assert that slavery of any kind is wrong and should be abolished. Some drinking, and one character is addicted to opium. A couple is caught having sex, showing skin on skin, with bare breasts partially visible. African slaves on a ship bound for Antigua are referred to as "darkies." Mild profanity on occasion such as "bastard." Fanny finds a sketchbook in which slaves are depicted being whipped, flogged, lynched, and raped. The slave women in the notebook are topless.
Sexual
Content
A couple is caught having sex, with bare breasts partially visible. While rehearsing for a somewhat racy play, a woman asks the men around her, "Which one of you shall I make love to?" Some kissing, mild flirtation. The breasts of women in a sketch are exposed.
Violence
Fanny finds a sketchbook in which slaves are depicted being whipped, flogged, lynched, and raped.
Language
African slaves on a ship bound for Antigua are referred to as "darkies." Mild profanity on occasion: "bastard," "damn," "goddamn."
Social
Behavior
For early 19th-century Britain, the views of many of the characters on women's independence and the slave trade are remarkably progressive. The importance of being true to yourself and not compromising your values for the sake of wealth or safety is shown throughout, through discussion and example.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Fanny's aunt is addicted to liquid opium, which causes her to nod in and out of conversations. Many scenes depict characters drinking and smoking socially; one character returns home on horseback stumbling drunk and slurring his speech.
