Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring war photographer docu includes upsetting scenes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Love+War
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In LOVE+WAR, award-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario looks back over her astonishing and dangerous career of telling stories from warzones, which includes harrowing footage from her recent assignment in Ukraine.
Is It Any Good?
Truly inspirational, Addario's story, told here in a remarkable documentary, is a reminder of the power of photography, the value of integrity, and the horror of war. Tough to watch and endlessly compelling, Love+War is a fascinating look at a spectacular life and a challenge for the viewer to confront upsetting truths. During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Addario dodges a Russian shell that kills civilians on the street near her. She photographs the bodies of a mother and children and the war crime makes the front page of The New York Times. It's a dizzying, harrowing thing to see. But the man who lost his family says: "The whole world needs to know what's going on here." This need to show the effect of war and injustice is what drives Addario, as she tells her stories of working in Afghanistan, Iraq, Sierra Leone, and more. Back with her family, the documentary doesn't shy away from the strain on her husband and children, which only adds to what is an enthralling watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Love+War. How did the fact that the footage was real compare to that in action movies? Did it make it more impactful? Why, or why not? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
What character strengths do you think a war photojournalist needs? What examples from the documentary can you point to?
Would you describe Lynsey Addario as a positive role model? Why, or why not? What hurdles did she face that her male counterparts didn't?
Discuss the strong language used in the film. Swearing often took place in stressful situations. Why do you think some people use bad language in such situations?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 24, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : November 6, 2025
- Cast : Lynsey Addario , Andriy Dubchak , Dexter Filkins
- Directors : Jimmy Chin , Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Director(s)
- Studios : Disney+ , Hulu , National Geographic
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : History ( War: Other )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Curiosity , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and violent content
- Last updated : October 28, 2025
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