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Capturing the Friedmans

  • 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?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Captivating and intense. Mature teens+.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–17

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The secrets and lies of parents make this a tricky area.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Child pornography, sexual abuse, incest, and sodomy discussed throughout.

  • Language:

    Some profanity.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Capturing the Friedmans

Parents need to know that this film discusses a father and son accused and convicted of many counts of child sexual abuse. The film includes explicit discussion of incest, anal and oral sodomy, and child pornography. There are also intense scenes involving a father committing suicide, heated arguments between family members, and adults recalling childhood sexual abuse.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about police investigation procedures. Why might Arthur and Jesse Friedman be innocent? Families could also discuss David's reactions to his father's and brother's arrests. Why was he so angry with his mother? Was he right in believing his father and brother without question? Families could also discuss Elaine Friedman's reaction to her husband's and son's arrests. Why was she eager to have her son confess to something he insists that he didn't do? How would you have felt in a similar situation?
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