Parents' Guide to

Our Boys

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Complicated drama centers on West Bank murders.

TV HBO Drama 2019
Our Boys Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 7+

Based on 2 parent reviews

wendyzee
wendyzee Adult
September 3, 2019
age 12+

Understanding the world we live in

I am a parent of 21 yo, 16yo and 8yo. Thoughtful drama set against the best known conflict for generations past, and sadly, generations to come. I believe that with parental guidance 10+ can watch this show, and I strongly recommend checking in with older teenagers to find out if they have - and discussing it. If watched with attention and focus, it will not form bias, but it may consolidate any bias they already hold. The story is evenly told, from both sides, and I think it is important for parents to keep in mind, for their own bias, that the creators of the show come from both sides of the conflict.

This title has:

Great messages
avengerboi
avengerboi Parent of 9 and 11-year-old
September 2, 2019
age 2+

hoorah hbo

This title has:

Too much consumerism
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Based on the events that led to the outbreak of war in Gaza in 2014, OUR BOYS tells the story of the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli boys by Hamas militants, and the abduction and murder of a Palestinian teen that was carried out seemingly in retaliation. As lead investigator Simon (Shlomi Elkabetz) works to uncover just who or what force is behind these terrible acts, the relatives of the murdered boys live out personal agonies amidst very public political complications.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This formidable drama takes its time building a mood and a story, but it's extraordinarily atmospheric and affecting for those with the patience to wait. Those who don't know the backstory behind Our Boys will have to do some pausing and googling, particularly in the first few episodes, to figure out exactly what's going on; even then, they may feel lost in scenes of men talking seriously and crowds howling for mercy from God and/or vengeance.

Our Boys begins after the kidnapping of three Israeli teens has already occurred, but we meet Mohammed Abu Khdeir as a relatably cranky kid whose father yells at him to get off his phone and pay attention and spends his time between calls to prayer hanging out on the street with the guys. His abduction and murder thus has a terrible emotional weight as we watch his family grieve, and hope for his return, and grieve some more. What happens next slowly reveals the true purpose of Our Boys -- to expose how hate multiplies hate, vengeance only begets more vengeance, and terrible acts committed in the name of righteousness are far from righteous at all.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about political dramas. Are most based on real events? Does the story behind this show make what we see on screen more poignant? More difficult to watch? Why would a drama choose to be merely inspired by real events rather than trying to faithfully depict what really happened?

  • Our Boys frequently makes its settings plain with text on screen that spells out exactly where we are. Do the chyrons help you understand more about what's going on in each scene?

  • How do the characters on Our Boys demonstrate courage, perseverance, and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

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