Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend is based on a true sports story and is full of inspirational messages. Through words and example, the film shows the importance of patience, persistence, and dedication as the keys to victory, not only in basketball, but in life. There are a few instances of bullying between an older player and the lead character, but these scenes serve the higher message of not letting anything stand in the way of your dreams. Since the movie is set in 1959 South Carolina, one of the basketball coaches is never seen without a cigar, but more troubling for some will be the occasional racial slurs. While the "N" word is not used, other slurs (like "jungle bunny") are, as a way to show prevailing racial attitudes at the time.
Sexual
Content
Not applicable
Violence
Taunting and bullying. An older high school basketball player shoves a younger player against a gym wall and orders him to quit the team. Later, this same older player knocks a basketball out of the hands of the younger player in a high school hallway. At a malt shop, this same older player shoves the younger player, knocking him to the floor. During a game, an opposing player deliberately runs into "Pistol" Pete and sends him to the floor, unconscious.
Language
The movie is set in South Carolina in 1959: some of the characters use racial slurs like "jungle bunnies" and "nigras," and use outdated terms like "colored." A young boy calls the older boy who bullies him, "butthead." While teaching his son a basketball drill, a father tells his son to stick his chest out, adding, "You don't want people to think you're light in your loafers."
Social
Behavior
Patience, persistence, and confidence are the keys to success, not only on the basketball court, but in life. Through words and example, this movie shows the hard work and reward inherent in dedicating one's self to being the best.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
A high school basketball coach smokes a cigar frequently. A coach holds a cigarette at a kitchen table.
