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Grace Is Gone

(2007, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring John Cusack, Shelan O'Keefe, Gracie Bednarczyk)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Sad drama about loss may be too heavy for kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The characters are decent and well-intentioned, though the father seems distant at first and doesn't tell his daughters the truth about their mother as soon as he should. Nevertheless, he's a devoted family man at heart. Tween daughter Heidi acts out a couple of times, but it seems to be mostly in response to knowing something's wrong with her dad/their family.
  • Violence:

    News footage of the war in Iraq on TV screens; a man shoves his adult brother and forces him against a wall; a pervading sense of gloom hangs over the film.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Occasional uses of "s--t," "goddamn," "crap," and, very sparingly, "f--k."
  • Consumerism:

    Signage and mentions of HomeStore, the fictional "big box" home improvement store where Stan works, and Enchanted Gardens, the similarly made-up amusement park that Stan and his kids are planning to visit.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some talk of drinking, but little is seen onscreen. A tween girl tries a cigarette; her father then smokes with her, intending to turn her off the habit.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Grace Is Gone

Parents need to know that kids and teens may have a hard time processing some of this somber indie drama's mature themes, notably war and the death of a parent. The characters swear on occasion, a 12-year-old girl smokes and acts out in other ways (though mostly fairly tamely), and a grown-up suffers a near-emotional breakdown. Nevertheless, the movie has a soft center, empathizing with the experiences of a father and his two daughters as they deal with the terror that comes with knowing their loved one is on the front lines.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the media typically depicts war and its consequences. How is this film different from other movies about war? What are the experiences of families who go through this type of tragedy? Why do you think Stanley can't tell his daughters the truth right away? Also, what is the effect of never having Grace show up on camera? Is the film more or less effective for her absence?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Its great if you don't mind the language other than that you'll love it!

    I liked this movie because of its story. It was very touching and sad.It has a scene where (john cusack) the dad finds his daughter smoking a cigarette. Latter he buys a box of them and then trys to make her not like them. 2 uses of f*ck, 1 of g**d*mn, close to 3 uses of h*ll, sh*t, and a few other milder slang words. No violence but very emotional and stirring.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

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