The Insider

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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie has tense scenes, strong language, smoking, and some drinking.
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Incredible!
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What's the Story?
In THE INSIDER, Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe), a research scientist for a tobacco company, tells 60 Minutes that the company is more aware of the addictive properties of nicotine than its executives claimed and in fact manipulated the delivery of nicotine. Show producer Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino) promises to protect him. But executives cut Wigand's portion from the broadcast because they're worried about a lawsuit by the tobacco company. Wigand and Bergman are caught in parallel moral dilemmas. Both are loyal to their organizations until they witness what they perceive as acts of corruption. Both respond by making their stories public, resulting in struggle and sacrifice. The question is not one of disloyalty, but of conflicting loyalties. Wigand knows that telling the truth will hurt him and his family more than it hurts the tobacco company.
Is It Any Good?
Director/co-screenwriter Michael Mann very skillfully makes every shot and every note of the soundtrack help shape the story so that the viewer sees Bergman's perspective. (One hint: the Bergman character is unerringly fair and honest.) Families should be sure to discuss the point of view of the movie, and how it would differ if it was told from Wigand's, Wallace's, or the tobacco company's point of view.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the point of view of the movie. Director/co-screenwriter Michael Mann very skillfully makes every shot and every note of the soundtrack help shape the story so that the viewer sees Bergman's perspective. (One hint: the Bergman character is unerringly fair and honest.) Families could also discuss how the movie would be different if it was told from Wigand's, Wallace's, or the tobacco company's point of view.
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 5, 1999
- On DVD or streaming: April 11, 2000
- Cast: Al Pacino, Debi Mazar, Russell Crowe
- Director: Michael Mann
- Studio: Touchstone Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 157 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language
- Last updated: November 20, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love thrills
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