Postcards from the Edge

A soldier hits a woman, knocks her to the ground; she has a bloody lip (part of a movie-within-a-movie). A woman is shown briefly hanging from a building with a busy street scene below (also part of the movie-within-a-movie). The aftermath of an accident shows a car crashed into a tree. A woman appears to shoot at a man, then explains there are blanks in the gun.

No overt sexual activity. Some passionate kissing. Characters discuss sexual encounters ("Didn't I have sex with you?") in several scenes. A man is seen in underwear, then naked through a shower door. References to condoms.

Occasional coarse language: several forms of "f--k," "bulls--t," "a--holes," "whore," "damn," "queens," "t-ts." Some references to breasts, virginity, and farting.

Central to the film story is drug abuse and alcoholism. Leading character is found unconscious, admitted to hospital for drug overdose; stomach is pumped. Her efforts to remain clean and sober constitute move the plot. A second leading character is hiding a dependence on alcohol. Her problem is revealed. One character ingests pills, then forces herself to vomit them up. Visual and audio references to: cocaine, "dropping acid," Demerol, Percodan, and other prescription drugs. Cigarette smoking is frequent.

Parents need to know that Postcards from the Edge is a warmhearted drama with comedy, music, iconic movie stars in dazzling performances, and a witty script by Carrie Fisher, based on her book. It's the Hollywood tale of a complex mother-daughter relationship, the challenges of dealing with substance abuse, the trials of working in show business, and growing up at last, no matter how old you are. Drug and alcohol use are essential layers in the fabric of the film. A character suffers a drug overdose, spends time in a rehab facility, and tries to remain clean and sober ever after. References to various drugs (cocaine, Demerol, Percodan), blackouts, and addiction are heard in several scenes. An inebriated woman is hurt in a car accident. Language is occasionally profane (i.e., "f--k," "s--t," "a--holes," "assholes," "t-ts"). Given that Fisher was the daughter of musical star Debbie Reynolds, the book and movie are at least "inspired by" their shared real-life experiences. Entertaining, nominated for many prestigious awards, and surprisingly timely in spite of the fact that it was released in 1990, the themes, language, some sexual situations, and significant drug references make it appropriate only for teens and up.

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