Tools for this page
Print

God Grew Tired of Us

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Emotional docu finds hope for Sudan's "lost boys."

Why We Rated This on for Ages 11 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The Sudanese men are resourceful and patient; the people they meet on camera are all decent; very emotional reunion of mother and her "lost" son.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Sad early images of children starving in Ethiopia and Kenya; interviewees tell terrible stories of community massacres and violence against their families.

  • Sex:

    The boys see TV ads (for exercise machines) that feature girls in bikinis and leotards.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Thematic (some discussion of the commercial aspects of Christmas in the U.S.) and referential (Pepsi, Coca-Cola, one young man works at Mellon Bank), as well as some background imagery (Ritz crackers, Marlboro cigarettes billboard, smiley face logo in window).

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About God Grew Tired of Us

Parents need to know that this moving documentary -- while focused on the strength and resilience of its Sudanese subjects -- details their difficult lives as orphans in Sudan and refugees in Kenya and the United States (where they face significant economic difficulties). Their stories are complicated and sad and include losing family members to state-sanctioned violence. One of the young men seeks and eventually finds his mother and siblings, leading to a very emotional reunion.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the hardships faced by these young men. How do they form new "families" after losing their parents and/or siblings? What opportunities -- and adversities -- do they find in the United States? What kind of support systems do they have? By comparison, what do you think might happen to Sudan's "lost girls"? What do you think this movie is trying to accomplish? Does it succeed?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about God Grew Tired of Us?

  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    rcrigsby
    Lives in Wyoming
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0

    I thought this was a wonderful film. These young me are amazing - truly truly amazing. An inspiration to us all.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    mason lackey
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    Age 15+
    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Game of the Week

    Age 4+
    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.