 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Courageous
- Review Date: October 30, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Despite violence, Christian fatherhood drama is uplifting.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie, which was produced by the same Protestant church that made Fireproof, is equal parts message movie and Evangelical ministry tool. Consequently, the story focuses on themes about conversion to Christianity and being a good, godly father. There's no language or sex, but there's more violence/peril than in similar films -- the cop protagonists engage in chases and skirmishes with suspects that end in fight fights and, in one case, a child being temporarily taken hostage at gunpoint. Tragedy strikes the central family, and one cop's baby is nearly kidnapped when his truck is car jacked. Because of the grown-up themes that focus on the nature of fatherhood and following God's path as a parent, this isn't a movie that will appeal to kids; it's aimed at the men, particularly dads, in the audience.
What's the story?
Adam (Alex Kendrick) is a police officer in a small Georgia town. When Nathan (Ken Bevel) transfers to the squad from a bigger city, the two of them and their partners, Shane (Kevin Downes) and David (Ben Davies), form an easy friendship centered around work and socializing with their families. After a tragic accident strikes Adam's family, he's at first distraught; but then he decides to study the Bible for enlightenment about what it takes to a righteous father. After weeks of research and prayer, Adam creates a special contract that he plans to sign to as a sacred oath. His friends agree to join him -- even David, who isn't a Christian at the start of the movie. Just as the four men are settling into their renewed roles as godly fathers, one of them compromises himself -- and forces his colleagues to decide whether to cover for him or keep him accountable to their shared oath.
Is it any good?
In some ways, this is the best film produced to date by Kendrick and the other filmmakers at Sherwood Baptist Church. The production values are good, a couple of the actors -- particularly Bevel and Davies -- seem like pros, and they're obviously using their profits from Fireproof to up the ante here. But for secular audiences or those who don't already believe in the Evangelical idea of what constitutes a good Christian family, the movie could be off-putting once the focus shifts to Adam's mission in the second half.
It's not that the plot isn't touching or the message inspiring -- every man should aspire to be a wonderful, loving father who puts his children first, even when it's not convenient. But so much of the film feels like an invitation not just to church but to a very specific kind of Christianity that it's hard not to feel preached to, even though there are some genuinely poignant moments. Ultimately the appeal here is for those who already believe, in which case the movie is a call to action and reaffirmation to be the ideal Christian father.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about what makes a good father. What does this movie teach about the meaning of fatherhood? Does that match your own experience?
Do you have to be a Christian to understand or appreciate what this movie is saying about fatherhood and life in general?
Do you think the violent/tense scenes were necessary to the story? Why or why not?
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- Teens & kids
Teen, 13 years old
November 2, 2011
AGE
love movie
This movie is the best. I hope it will teach people to love there families and GOD.
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Teen, 13 years old
November 1, 2011
AGE
BEST MOVIE EVER!!!!!!
This is one is on my TOP 10 FAVORATE MOVIE LIST!!!!!!!!!!!! I love this movie alot.... I went to see it with my brother and a few friends.... But when I left the theater I wish my dad was there to see it with us! He did pick us up... and I really hope we see it with him soon!!! I have never seen a movie like this. I liked that it had some things in the movie that was on edge for us teenagers, cause even though most Christian movie I've seen are really good, this isn't for anyone under 10... and it give teens some freedom to see a good movie that isn't for younger children, but without any kind of profanity or imorality. It was very good, and when (SPOIL ALERT!) Adam's son said that he wished he had been a better brother to his late sister, it made me think about my siblings... and that if they were gone tomorrow, what if i didn't say I was sorry for something or made them feel bad about something.... SO this is a MUST SEEEE!!! OK? :)
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Parent
November 1, 2011
AGE
Two thumbs WAY Up! An excellent movie
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Teen, 17 years old
November 24, 2011
AGE
Awesome and Sad movie!
The best movie I've ever seen! Made me cry too. I think people would love this movie,especially fathers. Bring tissues if you go and see it. I recommend letting ages 11 and up to watch this and would explain to your kids what it is about. A very good, Godly, Christain movie.
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Parent
November 15, 2011
AGE
A MOVIE THAT MAKES A DIFFERNCE
In short, this movie sends a bullet to the heart of a critical problem in this country. The lack of Godly leadership from men in their own homes directly affects the next generation of sons and daughters and how they address the pervasive temptations of our misguided society. This movie should be a "must see" for everyone but will probably only be appreciated by those who already understand the gravity of our situation and already bend a knee to our Lord.
The movie really grabs the viewers attention as it moves from scene to scene, examining the serious life dramas in and amongst several different types of ethnic families, mostly centered around law enforcement. Athough there is much humor throughout the film, most parents will find it difficult not to shed a tear or two or even three as several of the films dramas may hit close to home. This combination of lighthearted humor and sadness only adds to the films appeal. The message is profound . A must see!
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Kid, 11 years old
November 23, 2011
AGE
Courageous-Ages 11+ only
This was a very great movie. It has little drinking and some of the characters in the movie carry drugs with them, but it isn't full of drinking, drugs, or smoking. There are some scenes with violence. There are tiny scenes showing little of guns, punching, kicking, and goriness. There are many positive role models and positive messages sent to the kids 11+. I rated this movie for ages 11+ because children under may get scared seeing some of the scenes and the movie is a little sad too. I, myself only cried once, but everyone's different. You might have a higher or lower crying tolerance. If you are debating whether to see Courageous or not, you should really see it. It is a very positive Christian movie and it may even change the way you think about life.
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Parent of 14 and 18 year old
January 6, 2012
AGE
Great message about parenting, great for kids, teens too
Excellent movie with great messages for dads, but really for entire families. Might be okay for kids younger than 10, just be prepared for some tense shoot-em-up cop scenes and a tragedy that will catch you off guard. My entire family loved it -- bring the tissues though!
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Teen, 13 years old
November 8, 2011
AGE
I just wasted 2 hours
No violence. Don't get why it is 12+ Good messages and role models, but it's more of a chick flick ment for fathers. But I don't think kids or teens, unless girls, will care for this movie.
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Parent
November 13, 2011
AGE
Inspiring
Courageous is God's message to let society know that Fathers role in life is so important. We fathers need to be loving caring and leaders, a role that has diminished because of our sins, and Christians accepting the view that we cannot change this world!.
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Teen, 13 years old
January 7, 2012
AGE
Awesome movie! SPOILER ALERT for parents.
Awesome movie! So good! Only thing is the violence, and some drug content. A scene where this guy is accepted into a gang, after being kicked on the floor by a bunch of other gang members, and a very sad scene where the main character's daughter dies (EXTREMELY SAD!!!!) Some kids might have to leave the room for about 10 or 15 minutes. My mom, and a lot of my female friends cried. Guns are used in one or two scenes. Some talk about a guy's dad having kids w/ multiple women, and a guy who got w/ a cheerleader in high school (they don't go into too much detail, but if you've taught your kids that you have to be married to have a baby, it might spark the question, "If they aren't married, how can they have a baby?" But besides that, it's inspiring, and had some VERY funny parts! Totally recommend it to dads who are struggling with parenthood (which is what it was geared toward). Absolutely amazing movie. Five stars in my opinion
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| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Alex Kendrick |
| Cast: | Alex Kendrick, Ken Bevel, Kevin Downes |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 130 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 30, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | January 16, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some violence and drug content |
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