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Traitor

(2008, Rated PG-13, Thriller, Starring Jeff Daniels, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Uneven political thriller mixes faith, terrorism.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    An American man deals arms to his country's enemies and later appears to have joined a group whose mission is to hurt the United States. A trail of bloodshed metaphorically follows most scenes, though as viewers get to know the main players in the story, it's clear that their beliefs are being tested somewhat. There are glimpses of friends taking care of each other, even in prison.
  • Violence:

    An embassy bombing kills a handful of people (a man is shown planting the bomb); blasts of gunfire sometimes result in bloodshed. Lots of discussion about ways to sabotage the stability of the American people. Beat downs in a prison yard; a man is thrown off an overpass; and more.
  • Sex:

    The lead character has a girlfriend, though they aren't seen in any embraces or clinches; mild joke about virgins.
  • Language:

    A few uses of "f--k," as well as "s--t" and "damn." Not prevalent overall.
  • Consumerism:

    Nothing too glaring --- just logos for subway stations, GMC SUVs, and a few other products.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some smoking and drinking in social situations.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Traitor

Parents need to know that this adult thriller revolves around lofty ideas and mature themes (including faith and terrorism) that may not interest kids, or even teens. The violence -- of which there's a fair amount, including an embassy bombing and gunfire that leads to bloodshed -- and discussions about terrorism might be upsetting to younger viewers. There's also some swearing, smoking, and drinking. All of that said, the main character seems like a man who struggles as much as he can to be true to his faith, and watching him navigate this quagmire is actually quite thought-provoking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the movie deals with both faith and terrorism. Can the two co-exist? What messages does the movie send about that relationship? Families can also discuss Samir's decision to join a group whose activities might run counter to his religious beliefs. Why does he take it on? How is he affected by the experience? Is this movie different from other political thrillers? If so, how?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative role models

    good movie for late teens and adults

    this movie was good but a little bit violent. there are a lot of explosions and some language. this, however, was a really good movie.

  2. I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 5.0

    amazing movie

    this was a great movie but their is a lot of bad things there is a scene where they chase a 17 year old boy shove him down stairs and grab him and throw him in train tracks and you hear him get hit theres blood f words suicide bombings brutal prizon beatings and fights great movie but very dark and brutal

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 3.0

    OK

    it was ok but iffy good for 10 and up

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