Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Regarding Henry is a slow-paced, quiet 1991 drama directed by Mike Nichols. Kids, teens, and Harrison Ford fans from the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, or even from some of his tense thriller-mysteries, won't find much to hold their interest here. The story about a man's physical, mental, and emotional recovery from paralysis and amnesia is very personal to the character of Henry, so there's not much to relate to if you're not a mature adult. The only violence is a couple of gunshots that show blood starting to spread on the victim and brief background blood and gore in a hospital triage area. Strong language includes "a--hole" and variations of "s--t." One otherwise very positive character engages in what now could be considered sexual harassment by calling out to passing women and commenting on their appearance. Married adults kiss and caress once with open shirts and are shown in bed nude, but only the man's chest is shown. The overall messages and role models are positive, about changing yourself and your life, doing what makes you feel good about yourself and others, and the value and happiness in strengthening family bonds.
Sexual
Content
A character who is otherwise a very positive role model calls out to attractive women he knows, comments on their appearance, and talks aside about "getting some of that." All the women respond positively. Marital infidelity is discussed. A character goes to a movie not realizing it's a porn theater; grunting and moaning are heard off camera and we see the character's repulsed reaction. Making love is discussed. A man and woman kiss and caress with open shirts; only the man's bare torso is seen. A man and woman lie in bed talking after sex; only the man's chest is seen.
Violence
A shooting shows blood seeping through clothing. In a hospital triage area there are people with bloody bandages and clothing and a patient with a gaping, open wound.
Language
"Goddamn," "bastard," "bitch," "retard," "break some balls," "a--hole," and variations of "s--t."
Social
Behavior
If you don't like who you are, change. If you don't like what you do, or you can't do what you want to do, finding something else you can do will be rewarding in surprising ways. If you're only doing something for the money, it'll lead to unhappiness and make you morally corrupt.
Consumerism
Ritz Crackers are mentioned, and a character reproduces the package design in paintings featured prominently. Mention that Henry likes Mallomars. A Walkman given as a gift. Tiffany boxes shown. Beer bottles are clearly Beck's; the labels are indistinct, but they're mentioned as very expensive beer.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Before Henry changes he smokes frequently. He doesn't smoke after his change of heart. People in the background on the streets smoke. Adults drink wine and beer socially, though early on Henry is shown gulping alcohol once. No one is depicted as drunk.
