Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says Iffy for 15+
Dark, gritty, and brilliant. Not for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie, while brilliant, is absolutely not appropriate for kids. Characters are shot and killed graphically, and one person is fed into a wood chipper. Characters also engage in sex with prostitutes and the sex is shown on screen, though not graphically. Jerry, the main character around whom the whole plot unravels, is a despicable example of a human being. He's a desperate, bumbling father who lies to everyone about money, is engaged in various frauds to cover debts, hires hit men to kidnap his wife for the ransom money, and lies to his son.
- Families can talk about what to do when you get in trouble. When you tell lies, how do you make up for it? Have you ever had to tell a lie to cover up a lie you've already told? Do you ever feel, like Jerry, that you could get away with anything? How did that work out for Jerry? How important is money for you? What would you do for it?
The good stuff
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Positive messages: Jerry lies to his family about money problems, commits fraud, and hires some crooks to kidnap his wife for ransom money.
What to watch for
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Violence: Carl is shot in the face, a man is fed to a wood chipper, three others are shot at point-blank range.
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Sex: Two characters are seen having sex with hookers.
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Language: The f-word is said within six minutes of the opening, and even kids use it.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Carl and Gaear talk about getting shots of liquor and are seen drinking at bars often. Gaear chain-smokes through the movie.