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Brick Lane

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Weighty tearjerker with mature themes.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A husband takes his wife for granted and expects her to wait on him hand and foot (literally). Some heated exchanges between a teen girl and her father, which could be construed as disrespectful and downright nasty. A married woman has an affair.

  • Violence:

    The threat of violence hangs over parts of the movie, but nothing gory or bloody happens. Scenes from the 9-11 terrorist attacks are shown, such as the planes' moments of impact into the World Trade Center. A few scenes hint at the anger and rage that befall those who are disenfranchised; some shouting and tense moments between parents and their children.

  • Sex:

    A married woman has an affair -- the trysts occur in the home she shares with her husband. No outright nudity, but implied sexual movements/action. Some flirting.

  • Language:

    Language includes "s--t," an isolated use of "f--k," and some words that could be construed as derogatory toward certain nationalities.

  • Consumerism:

    A TV channel logo is displayed when the news is broadcast in some scenes. Labels include Brother, Singer sewing machines, and a denim company.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A few scenes of social drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Brick Lane

Parents need to know that although this powerful, thought-provoking drama -- which isn't too likely to be on teens' radar -- doesn't have much in the way of graphic nudity, swearing, or violence, it's fairly adult when it comes to its themes. It explores infidelity, terrorism, prejudice, arranged marriages, the immigrant experience, and tenuous parent-child relationships. It's unflinching in its portrayals of these issues, and their reality can be harsh.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about complicated parent-child relationships. Did any of the scenes in the movie resonate? How do relationships change as children get older and become more independent? Families can also discuss some of the issues that the movie deals with. What do teens think about the idea of arranged marriage? How does their view compare to the one presented in the movie? Can you think of other movies that offer close-up looks at worlds as specific and -- to Western minds, anyway -- unusual as the one here? Are Nazneen's decisions believable?
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