Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Pleasantville contains lots of messages about living life to the fullest, the need for passion, and the courage to accept change. Sexual situations are frequent (including some loud moaning and paintings of nude figures), but a fair share of the references will go over young kids' heads. The term "Jesus Christ" is audible; words like "hell," "bitch," "s--t," and "f--k" are used a few times, too. Intolerant behavior leads to some riotous behavior (and a bloody lip). Teen smoking is briefly visible. All this being said, the main teen characters are strong and become positive role models.

Sexual Content

Mostly we see flirting, kissing, and couples making out in cars, with perhaps some feet sticking out of a car window. (These teens are just becoming aware of sex.) A mom character masturbates in a bathtub and moans loudly. She is married, but begins an affair with another man; he paints her nude and displays the painting in his shop window. A character uses the word "slut" to describe herself. Overall, the movie manages to imply sex-on-the-brain without resorting to talk, such as showing the image of a double-bed in a store window, complete with a concerned crowd of onlookers outside.

Violence

Intolerance leads to some angry, riotous behavior, including the smashing of windows, looting, and a fist fight. A bloody lip is visible.

Language

Language is somewhat strong, but isn't frequent. "F--k" is used once, and "s--t" can be heard a few times. The term "Jesus Christ" is frequently used. Words like "hell," "bitch," "goddamn," and "s--t" are occasionally audible.

Social Behavior

The series underscores the need for living life to the fullest, the beauty that comes with making individual choices, and about the importance of recognizing both the idyllic and the ugly in order to do so. Tolerance of change and of difference, marriage, and divorce are also themes.

Consumerism

Logos like Buick and Cadillac visible on cars.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

A teenager is shown smoking; a reference is made to "dying for a cigarette."