Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The East is a thriller about a spy who infiltrates a violent eco-terrorist group and becomes involved with its members. The movie doesn't specifically condone this anarchist behavior, though it's clearly angry about irresponsible corporate behavior and suggests that other solutions may be possible. There's not much fighting or shooting, but some blood is shown, and there are some strong images and dangerous acts. Some sexual situations arise, and nudity is suggested but rarely shown. Language is minimal, and a "natural" sleeping drug is used on the heroine. The movie's reactionary message will likely appeal to many teens; hopefully it will inspire good deeds instead of destructive ones.
Sexual
Content
Characters bathe together in a lake, and men and women are naked, though very little nudity is shown. A male character's naked bottom is shown as he gets out of a tub. Two main characters kiss and have sex, though no nudity is shown. The main character cheats on her boyfriend while on an undercover assignment.
Violence
The movie centers on a group of eco-terrorists who carry out criminal, quasi-murderous acts against evil corporate entities. They slip drugs into champagne at a party, and people get deathly ill. They force a CEO at gunpoint to jump into a heavily polluted lake. Characters are shot. A makeshift operation is performed, and characters die. The main character slices her arm with a torn aluminum can to make it look as if she's been wounded in a fight. Some blood is shown. Disturbing news footage of environmental disasters, including animals covered in sticky oil, is shown.
Language
Language is very infrequent.
Social
Behavior
The movie concerns itself with trying to stop evil corporate behavior, though the "eco-terrorist" group (or anarchist collective) may not choose the healthiest or most responsible ways of protesting. Teens may thrill to the fact that their activities seem to get results, even if those results are dire or deadly. Regardless, the movie doesn't necessarily condone these activities, and it may spark conversation as to what other means might be available.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
The main character is given a kind of "natural" sleeping drug. She panics and tries to vomit it up before she passes out.
