Parents' Guide to

We Die Young

By Danny Brogan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Brutal Van Damme film is heavy on violence, drugs, language.

Movie R 2019 92 minutes
We Die Young Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

tannerboysmith T.
tannerboysmith T. Parent of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7-year-old
April 12, 2023
age 5+
Great movie for movie nights with the family

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

WE DIE YOUNG tells the story of 14-year-old Lucas (Elijah Rodriguez) who has been drawn into gang life in Washington, D.C. When his younger brother, Miguel (Nicholas Sean Johnny) is recruited by the gang, Lucas decides it's time for them to both leave. But after losing a large amount of the gang's money, the pair may no longer have a choice. Luckily for the brothers, a local war veteran called Daniel (Jean-Claude Van Damme) -- who Lucas sells drugs to -- is on hand to help.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (1):

This movie starts off at such a fast pace, the initial reaction is to strap in and enjoy, but unfortunately it soon runs out of gas. Fans of Van Damme will be pleased to see "The Muscles from Brussels" on the big screen. But while we don't expect to see the now veteran action star doing his trademark high-kicks, here we get little more than a shuffling, hand-gesturing performance. It's a shame, as the character of Daniel -- a PTSD-suffering, drug-addicted war veteran, whose only means of communication is via a voice app -- is an interesting premise. But one that perhaps would have been better suited for a more accomplished actor.

By We Die Young's finale -- a mass shoot 'em up -- any sense of empathy towards any of the characters has long since disappeared. Which is a relief, as the camera work is so jittery and the action so chaotic, it's difficult to tell who dies and who survives. Lingering shots of the Capitol Building and Washington Monument suggest a deeper sociopolitical commentary that is never actually explored. Instead, what's left is a shell of a movie whose strongest components have been seen countless times before -- only done better.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in We Die Young. Which parts were gruesome and which were exciting? Were there any consequence? What's the impact of media violence on kids?

  • Discuss the gang culture in the movie. What encourages young people to join gangs? What can be done to help prevent people joining gangs?

  • Daniel suffers from PTSD. What do you understand of this condition? What causes it?

  • What role did women play in the movie? Why might that be problematic?

  • Discuss the strong language in We Die Young. Does it seem necessary or excessive? What does it contribute to the movie?

Movie Details

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