Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Brooke Ellison Story recounts the true story of an 11-year-old girl who was hit by a car as she was walking home from school and suffered severe spinal cord injuries, becoming a quadriplegic on a ventilator for life. The accident itself is not shown, but there are brief scenes of an injured girl's transport that include some blood, as well as multiple scenes of recovery, hospital worry, frank medical discussions, and her required care's impact on her family. The story's message is inspirational and uplifting, but mature themes make it inappropriate for very young kids.
Sexual
Content
There are a few very brief scenes of a man and woman kissing. A man kisses a woman on the neck briefly. A man and woman kiss in a car. A young man gives a girl a kiss on the dance floor.
Violence
The film has some minor violence and peril surrounding the car accident that leads to Brooke's injuries, which is only shown after the fact. In that scene, a young girl is shown lying in the street with bloody legs and feet. Peril surrounds her transport to the hospital, where her face is shown as bruised and battered, with swelling and some blood. There are several scenes of hospital worry, with descriptions of injuries, such as a fractured skull and broken arm. Multiple depictions of a child in a coma and hooked up to IVs and EKGs are shown, and there's some peril related to the use of a breathing ventilator and the struggle to breathe when it's removed. A risky surgery is discussed but not depicted. There are multiple shots of x-rays depicting traumatic spinal injury.
Language
Very minor insulting language, such as calling something "gross" or referring to someone as "stupid."
Social
Behavior
The Brooke Ellison Story conveys strongly positive messages about family dedication, perseverance, determination, hope, and courage, particularly in the face of traumatic injury and disability. There are especially strong messages about attitude in determining the course of our lives and the importance of community support for those with disabilities.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
One brief scene of casual smoking by an adult.
