The Soloist

2009 PG-13 1h 49m Blu-ray / DVD

The Soloist

2009 PG-13 1h 49m Blu-ray / DVD
  • Overview
  • Details
This true-life drama tells the poignant tale of Los Angeles newspaper reporter Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), who discovers brilliant street musician Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), and the unique friendship that transforms both their lives.
Cast
Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Catherine Keener, Tom Hollander, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Nelsan Ellis, Rachael Harris, Stephen Root, Lorraine Toussaint, Justin Martin
Director
Joe Wright
Format
Blu-ray DVD
Screen
Widescreen 1.85:1
Subtitles
English, French, Spanish (Neutral)
CC
No
Audio
English: Dolby Digital 5.1, English: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, French: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, Spanish (Neutral): Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Screen
Widescreen Anamorphic 1.78:1
Subtitles
English, French, Spanish (Neutral)
CC
No
Audio
English: Dolby True HD, French: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish (Neutral): Dolby Digital 5.1
Rating
PG-13 - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers. PG-13 - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.
age 13+
Common Sense rating OK for kids 13+
age 13+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this stirring drama about friendship and the beauty of music depicts mental illness in a realistic light, neither overdramatizing nor underemphasizing it. Scenes that take place in L.A.'s gritty areas include some skirmishes and shots of drug use, and a dead body is found. The authentic feel of those scenes (which feature real-life Skid Row regulars) could be upsetting for sensitive viewers. But aside from that and some harsh language (including sparing use of "f--k"), the movie is age appropriate for teens -- there's no sex or blatant product placement.

Sexual Content

Some moments of tenderness -- and tension, too -- between a former couple, but no kissing or any other physical activity.

Violence

A character suffering from schizoprenia lashes out at a friend, beats him up, and threatens his life. The same character also bullies his sister. Skid Row denizens get in skirmishes; a woman's dead body is found, and there's blood caked on the spot.

Language

Swearing includes "s--t," "damn," "hell," "goddamn," "son of a bitch," and very limited use of "f--k."

Social Behavior

The movie has an inspiring message about friendship -- two men from very different walks of life become very close friends despite mental illness, professional pressures, and difficulties beyond the realm of daily life. The movie depicts mental illness in a realistic light and goesn't shy away from L.A.'s grittier side.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

A man (not a main character) smokes a crack pipe in public. Some discussions about addiction. Characters are shown drinking.

  • Age appropriate
  • Not an issue
  • Depends on your child and your family
  • Parents strongly cautioned
  • Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

How it works

  • 1

    Create your list

    Browse from thousands of movies and shows.

  • 2

    Free delivery

    We send out your disc the next business day.

  • 3

    Watch and repeat

    Free returns, plus no due dates or late fees.

Unlimited movies sent to your door, starting at $9.99 a month.