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An Unfinished Life

(2005, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Lopez, Robert Redford)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Sentimental drama; not likely to interest kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Abusive boyfriend, stubborn adults, wise child.
  • Violence:

    Bear attack, domestic abuse, a beatdown of a deserving villain.
  • Sex:

    Some aggressive pawing by the bad boyfriend.
  • Language:

    Brief, rough ranchers' language.
  • Consumerism:

    Reference to McDonalds.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Smoking, drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About An Unfinished Life

Parents need to know that this drama concerns stressful relations among a young widowed mother, her angry father-in-law, and her 11-year-old daughter: this means that the film includes frequent scenes of family tension. This strain begins with an accidental death of the girl's father, not shown on screen but repeatedly discussed. That said, these scenes are not explosive, but taut and delicately handled. Characters argue, curse, smoke, and drink briefly. One male character abuses his girlfriend, in images that are occasionally abrupt and disturbing, and he is eventually beaten for his transgressions. A character bears scars from a bear attack (and discusses their appearance with the 12-year-old girl), and later in the film, a bear attacks the grandfather, frightening the granddaughter, who reacts and saves him.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the theme of forgiveness. The characters are split between those who feel guilty, angry, and unforgiving (Jean and Einar, her father-in-law), and those more open to forgiveness (the girl, Griff and Mitch, the bear's victim): how do all the characters come to appreciate the difficulties endured by the others, and so begin to understand their responses? How does the bear figure as a metaphor for "accidents" and for forgiveness? How might Einar or Jean have found other ways to express their grief and sense of guilt?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message

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

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Saw this in theatres, and I just rented it again.

    Keeping this short and to the point: This was a sad/inspiring drama with mostly strong acting. There isn't much to worry about content-wise, but I warn that you should only watch this movie if you like dramas (or every genre if you're like me).

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 2.0

    on an airplane

    i saw this on an airplane, and it was ok. kinda interesting, but prty boring. characters werent realistic or lovable oe nething.

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