Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Better Angels is a Terrence Malick-ish drama about a young Abraham Lincoln. Although it's historically accurate about details of young Lincoln's life, the movie is more of a poetic look at how Lincoln's boyhood was forever changed by the death of his beloved mother and the arrival of his stepmother. In addition to a bit of era-accurate smoking, there's some corporal punishment, as Mr. Lincoln punishes his children by spanking them with a switch. And Lincoln witnesses a chain gang, but the movie itself isn't that violent. It is, however, likely a bit too contemplative and lyrical to appeal to younger viewers.
Sexual
Content
Lincoln's father and his new wife lie in bed together, but it's not sexual.
Violence
Thomas Lincoln punishes Abraham in a way that was customary for the time: by spanking/hitting him with a switch. Abraham's mother, as well as two relatives, die from milk poisoning. Mrs. Lincoln's demise may be upsetting to see: she vomits, writhes, and convulses before dying. The narrator says that Sarah Lincoln (Abraham's sister) also went on to die young -- during childbirth.
Language
Not applicable
Social
Behavior
Subtle, spiritual messages about how Lincoln's early life was shaped by his loving mother (who died young) and his stern, hardworking father. Suggests that Lincoln's early experiences seeing a chain gang, playing in the fields with his mother, and dealing with his father's fatherly justice influenced him into becoming an honorable, just man.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Some era-accurate smoking.
