Given that this film is produced by Charlize Theron it is not as offensive as it could have been (think "Monster"). It is a noble attempt to create a sympathetic tale of redemption but it winds up failing in that regard mostly. Note that 90% of all the swearing in the film is handled by Theron herself, other than that it is not much of a problem. The violence scene at the end while tragic is not the worst I've seen. Some cringing moments when Robb's troubled character swears a little and smokes (once, then seemingly gives it up). Individual performances are great though, Stahl, Woody Harrelson, and perhaps AnnaSophia Robb best of all. You want to like this movie and root for it but it justs can't seem to get off the ground, but watch it just for the great performances, that might be enough to redeem it.