Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Purge: Anarchy is the sequel to 2013's low-budget horror hit The Purge. Set in the future, it depicts the annual 12-hour "purge," in which lawlessness prevails and people can do anything without repercussion; in exchange, this apparently makes the country a safer, stronger, and healthier place to live for the rest of the year. Violence is very strong, including use of guns, swords, flamethrowers, and other weapons, with many characters shot and killed, and much blood shown. Language is also strong, with several uses of "f--k," "s--t," and "bitch." Two women are treated roughly and are almost raped by a drunken man. A minor character drinks wine and takes pills in an effort to become drunk/high. This sequel is quite different from its predecessor; it's not a "home invasion" movie and features more sympathetic characters and a clearer message.
Sexual
Content
Some brief but strong innuendo; a character refers to a man "sniffing her ass." A would-be rapist licks the side of a woman's face (disgusting more than erotic).
Violence
Many characters die, including major ones. Characters are beaten, shot, and stabbed. Many guns; bullets are fired. A great deal of blood is shown as bullets penetrate bodies. Women are stalked and treated roughly. A man threatens to rape two women but is stopped. Characters wear scary masks and stalk the good guys. Cars are set on fire and explode. Characters wield huge blades, fully automatic rifles, and flamethrowers. An injured man is run over by a vehicle. A couple argues and seems to be on the verge of breaking up.
Language
Strong language includes several uses of "f--k," "s--t," and "bitch," as well as "a--hole," "ass," "d--k," "Christ," and "godforsaken."
Social
Behavior
The ambiguous message of the first movie is gone, replaced with a more black-and-white idea: that, in this case, the end does not justify the means. The movie is anti-wealthy, suggesting that rich people's empathy toward other humans takes a back seat to their love of money and power; the poor people are the ones who suffer here. But people who help others are looked on favorably.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
A man is shown drinking and drunk enough to be unsteady on his feet. (He later attempts to rape two women.) Another woman is shown drinking wine and taking pills, with the attempt to become drunk and/or high enough to get through the evening.
