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The Life Before Her Eyes

(2008, Rated R, Drama, Starring Uma Thurman, Evan Rachel Wood, Eva Amurri)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Disturbing school-shooting drama is a puzzler.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The film itself is ultimately quite moving, but the lead-up to the final moment includes a violent school shooting by a gunman who seems far from remorseful. Also, best friends say harsh things to each other, hurting each other's feelings and threatening their friendship. A teen gets an abortion.

  • Violence:

    The film deals with a Columbine-like mass shooting at a high school and shows how events unfold as the gunman goes on his rampage. There's plenty of bloodshed, as well as the disturbing sounds of people shrieking and dying. Some close-ups of the gunman pointing his weapon at victims' faces.

  • Sex:

    A teen couple is shown making out, and it's implied that they have sex -- the girl winds up pregnant. Two 17-year-old girls engage in frank discussions about boys and sex; one describes herself as a "whore" and seems to be acting out. She also jokes about seducing an older professor at a local college.

  • Language:

    Language includes "s--t," "p---y," and "f--kheads."

  • Consumerism:

    Some signage (Brooks Pharmacy, Hillview High School), but nothing excessive.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A teen is shown smoking pot and cigarettes. Some are also shown drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Life Before Her Eyes

Parents need to know that this R-rated drama, which may interest teens thanks to starlets Evan Rachel Wood and Eva Amurri, explores dark, disturbing themes. The story revolves around a woman still haunted by a mass shooting at her high school; scenes from the tragedy are shown repeatedly, with plenty of blood and gore and very realistic scenes of the teen gunman shooting at victims. A teen gets an abortion, and there's also a fair amount of swearing, some suggestive scenes (one involving a couple in a swimming pool), and some underage drinking and smoking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the movie's sensitive subject matter. Why do you think filmmakers wanted to make a film about a school shooting? Do you think they intended for teens to see it? If so, what messages do you think they were trying to send? Families can also discuss the relationship between Diana and Maureen. How is their friendship portrayed? Is it realistic? What about their friendship makes the movie's final moments so harrowing and powerful?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lovett
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 3.0

    Confuseing but good movie

    I only watched this for Evan Rachel Wood and she was awesome as was the other actors.The story is a little complex I was a little confused but all in all good film.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    blondiebeachbabe ...
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 2.0

    Scary and yes, very odd ending

    I hated this movie from the beginning. Would not recrommend to anyone.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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