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In America

(2003, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine, Sarah Bolger)
  • 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?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Moving but slightly graphic; mature teens only.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A theme of the movie.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Character deaths (off camera). Sad and scary situations.
  • Sex:

    Sexual references and situations.
  • Language:

    Some strong language.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drinking, smoking, drug use.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About In America

Parents need to know that this movie includes strong language, drinking, smoking, and drug use, violence, and very sad deaths. There's a sexual situation (and resulting childbirth). Tense moments include a violent confrontation and a serious health problem.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Christy thinks that Frankie can grant her three wishes and about the different ways that each character responds to the loss of someone important to them.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Very moving film

    I agree with one of the other reviewers - what you expect will not necessarily happen so keep watching. And get out the tissues! This movie deals with big themes - poverty, social isolation, illness, death - making it a very useful vehicle for discussing tough subjects with your teenager. There is a pretty intense sex scene that you may want to fast forward but overall, it's an excellent film. The fact that it's a true story makes it all the more powerful.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0

    Sweet, odd

    The children were the high point of the film. I told my middle-school-aged daughters to hide their eyes during the sex scene. Otherwise, although the story was a combination of gritty and unreal, it was heart-warming.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Moving, Family Values

    The themes in this movie are intense but really meaningful and speak to family values and what life is about. There were many times I thought something bad was going to happen and it just didn't - so watch knowing things are okay. Even the death scene is handled with love and respect. It is a wonderful movie for anyone with daughters, anyone who's had to live through a loss and who understand how love wills out over all things. Bring Kleenex.

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