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Youth Knows No Pain

(Rated NR, Reality TV, Starring Mitch McCabe, Sherry Lee Mecom, Norman Deesing, Where to watch: HBO)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Docu about youth-obsessed culture tackles image issues.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    While the documentary is nonjudgmental in its approach to its subject, it captures many negative, attitudes toward aging. It definitely raises serious questions about society's values when it comes to looks, body image, and more.

  • Role models:

    Many of the interviewees equate looking good on the outside (usually with the help of a plastic surgeon) with feeling good on the inside. Many fear that if they don't look young, they'll be lonely, invisible, and ignored by society. Cosmetic surgeons' wealthy lifestyle is also discussed.

  • Violence:

    Lots of graphic scenes of surgical procedures, ranging from images taken in Vietnam of severed and bloody limbs to gaping holes made during cosmetic surgical procedures.

  • Sex:

    Several scenes of non-sexual nudity: pre- and post-surgery images of bare buttocks and breasts; a cancer survivor allows her reconstructed breasts to be filmed as the doctor examines her; a cosmetic surgery patient lifts up her shirt in front of the camera to show how her new breasts look. The need to look good in order to “fall in love” or find a partner is often discussed.

  • Language:

    The word “bulls--t“ is audible.

  • Consumerism:

    The movie references publications like Allure magazine and popular cosmetic surgery-related television programs like Dr. 90210 and Nip/Tuck. The inventor of ZO anti-aging cream and the representative for Allergan Inc. (a Botox manufacturer) are also briefly featured.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Visible cigar and cigarette smoking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Youth Knows No Pain

Parents need to know that this documentary about America's attitudes toward aging raises serious questions about issues like body image and self-conficence. Some of the interviewees have undergone a wide range of cosmetic procedures in order to look younger indefinitely; there are some potentially disturbing images of both graphic surgeries and war casualties. Non-sexual nudity includes pre- and post-surgical images of bare bottoms and breasts; there's also a bit of swearing and some smoking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the media impacts the way people feel about getting older. Do advertisements, music videos, and fashion magazines create an unrealistic/unattainable image, or do they simply reflect what people want to see?
  • Do you think the media can cause someone to develop a negative body image or eating disorder? Why or why not?
  • Hop do you feel about getting older? Do you see anything wrong with getting plastic surgery if you don't like how you look as you age? What are the pros and the cons?
Tools and tips that can help

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