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Home of the Brave

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Iraq war vets cope with big issues; not for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–17

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Iraq war veterans return home to face an unprepared VA hospital, frustrated and loving families, and a lack of social and economic options.

  • Violence:

    The film begins in Iraq, during the war. Scenes include urban combat and ambush (a bomb disguised as a dead dog blows up a U.S. convoy, leaving bloodied bodies, and there are shoot-outs, foot and vehicle chases, and explosions). Flashbacks throughout the film repeat scenes of explosions and wounded soldiers, including Vanessa's bloody hand/missing fingers. Several scenes show the aftermath of war injuries, as Vanessa struggles with her prosthetic hand and physical therapy. Some difficult discussions of war experiences (killing others, seeing friends killed). Attempted hostage-taking ends in a police shooting death.

  • Sex:

    Kissing in bed precedes a cut to a post-sex couple lying in bed; kissing and caressing between couple (bra visible); nothing explicit.

  • Language:

    Frequent use of "f--k," plus other language -- "s--t," "hell," "damn," "bitch," "p---y," "a--hole." A rude hand gesture is used; a T-shirt reads "Buck Fush."

  • Consumerism:

    Amstel light, REI, Sun Chips.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Cigarette smoking (frequent); beer drinking; alcoholism (a veteran is abusive, angry, and miserable); discussion of prescription drugs (for pain, insomnia, and depression).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Home of the Brave

Parents need to know that this serious drama deals with difficult issues faced by veterans of the Iraq war, including post-traumatic stress disorder, phantom pain, alcoholism, and lack of stateside resources. War violence -- including shooting and explosions (mortars, grenades, rockets, and disguised bombs) -- results in bloody injuries, deaths, and upset survivors. At home, characters suffer from flashbacks, nightmares, emotional disturbances, and physical disabilities. Family members argue, and characters swear frequently, smoke cigarettes, drink, and take/discuss prescription drugs.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the media's coverage of the war in Iraq. How does the movie's treatment of the issues compare to what you see on television? Do you think one version is more accurate and/or objective than the other? Why and how? How is the media's coverage of the Iraq war different from -- and similar to -- coverage of other wars and conflicts? Families can also discuss how war affects veterans and their families. What issues do the veterans in this movie grapple with once they come home? How do their families struggle to support them? How are these challenges different for men and women, for parents and children?
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