Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this somber film traces the journey of Private Chance Phelps, from his death in battle in Iraq, to a military mortuary in the United States, and finally to his hometown where he is buried. It also follows Lt. Col. Mike Strobl, who volunteers to escort Chance's coffin on the final stages of the trip, and along the way comes to grips with his own conflicted feelings about his duty as a Marine. The spare, emotional drama keeps politics in the background, and focuses instead on the soldiers serving, and dying, in Iraq. Whether or not people believe this conflict makes sense, the film makes it clear that anyone who gives their life in battle deserves honor and respect. Though there is very little violence, sex, swearing, drinking, or anything else that might alarm parents, the complex and poignant themes are probably better for a mature audience.

Sexual Content

Violence

No violence, though there are some detailed conversations about the horrors of combat. Several scenes show mortuary workers preparing a soldier's body for burial; though they mention that the corpse is quite damaged, the subtle shots do not include any explicit images, and focus instead on small, telling details, such as cleaning blood off a watch.

Language

Very minor. "S--t" is used in conversation twice.

Social Behavior

The film focuses on what it means for soldiers to make the ultimate sacrifice. Many characters, whether they agree with the war in Iraq or not, show support for the soldiers.

Consumerism

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Characters drink during a memorial party. At first they are exuberant; later, they seem melancholy.