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Things We Lost in the Fire

(2007, Rated R, Drama, Starring Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro, David Duchovny)

  • 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?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Story of death and redemption too much for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Brian remains a loyal friend to Jerry, even though he's a drug addict. He also intervenes in a domestic abuse situation. Audrey and her family and friends help Jerry get clean after Brian's death.

  • Violence:

    Disturbing scenes of junkies getting high and a very upsetting double-murder suicide. Audrey pushes and pounds on Jerry in anger.

  • Sex:

    Audrey and Brian kiss, fool around, and embrace in bed before going to sleep.

  • Language:

    Expletives -- including "f--k," "s--t," etc. -- are strong and fairly frequent, but said mostly out of grief.

  • Consumerism:

    Volvo SUV, Coldstone Creamery.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Several scenes show Jerry getting high and strung out on heroin. Other drug addicts also shown.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Things We Lost in the Fire

Parents need to know that this emotional drama isn't likely to appeal to kids or teens. The director is Danish and relatively unknown to American audiences, and despite Halle Berry's popularity, the trailer and ads clearly highlight the mature dramatic themes -- which include death, murder, drug addiction, and grief. Several scenes show Benicio Del Toro's character doing (or already high on) heroin and Berry's widowed character sobbing. The language is strong (and includes "f--k," "s--t," and more), but it's not excessive, particularly taken in the context of the movie's powerful emotions.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about loyalty and friendship. How is Brian an example of unconditional friendship to Jerry? How does Jerry help Audrey move forward -- and vice-versa? The movie's Danish director, Susanne Bier, is known for her naturalistic, realistic style. Is it obvious that the movie wasn't made by a mainstream American filmmaker? Why or why not? How do movies and TV shows reflect the culture that produces them?
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