Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence and language in powerful biographical drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Words of War
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In WORDS OF WAR, Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya (Maxine Peake) devotes her life to fighting for an honest, independent press in Vladimir Putin's Russia. She takes on powerful figures in the Russian government during the Russian-Chechen conflict and becomes a figure of bravery and respect among many, but finds herself in great danger in the process.
Is It Any Good?
Peake is a force to be reckoned with as late Russian journalist Politkovskaya in this powerful biographical drama. Politkovskaya herself was killed in 2006, but the release of Words of War is a timely reminder of the thousands of journalists who continue to lose their lives for pursuing the truth. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the subject, Peake's performance is what carries the film. She's passionate and empathetic, but she is also impatient and doesn't suffer fools gladly. She steps into danger almost with a middle finger raised, and seems to take it in her stride when she inevitably becomes the target of the very violence she works to expose. There are obvious clichés—the strained marriage, the conflicts with her editor—and the movie goes through the motions in a fairly predictable structure, despite not being entirely linear. That said, the source material itself is enough to make this an impactful watch, particularly with current regimes and conflicts in mind.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the character of Anna Politkovskaya in Words of War. How did she come across in the film? Did it affect your view of her to know that it's based on a real-life figure? Do you consider her a role model? Why?
Anna showed perseverance, integrity, courage, empathy, and communication. Why are these important character strengths? How did they help her achieve success?
Discuss the impact of the violence in Words of War: Did you think the level of violence was warranted, or too intense? Why? What does it add to the story? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 2, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : June 23, 2025
- Cast : Maxine Peake , Jason Isaacs , Ciaran Hinds
- Director : James Strong
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Rolling Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 117 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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