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Crossing Over

(2009, Rated R, Drama, Starring Harrison Ford, Ashley Judd, Ray Liotta)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Intense immigration drama doesn't live up to its intentions.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The movie is full of illegal and unethical acts (bribery, extorion, and much more), all of which have ramifications and consequences that weigh heavily on the minds of those committing them -- or result in their comeuppance.
  • Role models :

    Characters discuss terrorism, racism, and religious prejudice, and families are forced to make difficult decisions. Small lies are told in the service of the greater good. On the up side, law enforcement officers choose to go above and beyond the call of duty in the name of decency.
  • Violence:

    Extreme violence, including several graphic shooting deaths (two of the characters killed are a couple in bed after making love). There's also scuffling, some blood and gore, and intense shootouts. Dead bodies are seen.
  • Sex:

    Multiple sex scenes. Female nudity (chest and buttocks) and male nudity (buttocks). Discussions of adultery. An immigration official has an arrangement with an illegal immigrant: She's available to him sexually, and he gets her a Green Card. Some cleavage.
  • Language:

    Repeated strong language, including "f--k" and its variations, "Jesus," "Goddammit," "ass," "s--t," "bitch," "c--t," "piss," and more. Also racial epithets like "gook," "sand n----r," "wetback," and "raghead."
  • Consumerism:

    Brands that are visible or discussed include Budweiser, Froot Loops, Glock handguns, Photoshop, Crunch gyms, and more.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Characters smoke cigarettes and drink champagne, hard liquor, and wine. Two characters enjoy what is clearly a joint.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Crossing Over

Parents need to know that this mature drama isn't likely to be on most teens' must-see lists. In the same vein as Traffic and Crash, it attempts to capture the complex nature of immigration to America (both legal and illegal), with desperate characters doing desperate things. While the film presents a nuanced, complex look at the issue, it also contains scenes of blunt sexuality (including partial nudity) and brutal violence (intense shootouts and more). There's also lots of strong language ("f--k," racial epithets, and more), drinking, and smoking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the movie's central issue of immigration. Why do you think this issue is a hot button in the media?
  • How do TV shows and movies typically address the issue of immigration? And why do you think so many people break the law to live in America, risking their freedom and/or their lives?
  • Do you think the immigration process is easier for Caucasian, English-speaking immigrants than it is for people of color? Why or why not? How hard -- and how necessary -- is it for immigrants to adapt their cultural values to fit within the American mainstream?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message

    i am 40 and love harrison ford and these types of movies, but i am unable to enjoy it due to the language and would be appalled if my husband wanted to stay and see the whole movie, as it is inappropriate for him as well! so i think the age rating is absolutely wrong and should be adults only. and at that they should look at what they are putting into their minds and time.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    watch this

    watch the movie

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