By Lynnette Nicholas , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Legal drama candidly tackles race relations in America.
Parents need to know that A Time to Kill is a drama set in Mississippi about a white lawyer (Matthew McConaughey) who defends a black man (Samuel L. Jackson) accused of killing the two white men who raped his 10-year-old daughter. The chain of events following the death of these men creates an atmosphere of…
The opening segment shows a rape scene from the eyes of the 10-year-old victim.
Language includes many uses of the "N" word and a few uses of "s--t," plus "damn
Drinking, Drugs & SmokingMany adults smoke and drink at bars. Two characters are alcoholics who drink thr
Sex, Romance & Nudity Products & Purchases Not presentPromotes the idea that people of different ethnicities can interact peacefully,
Positive Role ModelsJake, a white man who's supposed to be "one of the bad guys," helps a disenfranc
The opening segment shows a rape scene from the eyes of the 10-year-old victim. Two men tie her up, one gets undressed, and they thrust on top of her. Fist fights and brawls. Scenes show a cross burning and someone torching a home. Gun violence, murders, bloodshed, and race-induced tension and violence.
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Language includes many uses of the "N" word and a few uses of "s--t," plus "damn," "crap," "ass," "piss," and "God" (as an exclamation).
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Many adults smoke and drink at bars. Two characters are alcoholics who drink throughout the film. Characters drink and drive.
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Promotes the idea that people of different ethnicities can interact peacefully, even in the South. Some of the film's characters show that practicing integrity and judging someone by their character, rather than skin color, can have a lasting effect on humanity. Highlights the notion that everyone deserves social justice, no matter their social class, history, or ethnic identity.
Jake, a white man who's supposed to be "one of the bad guys," helps a disenfranchised black man receive a fair trial in the South. Their relationship is aspirational and shows that human instinct, compassion, and empathy can overcome racial prejudice. Liberal lawyers and a former civil rights activist show that it's possible to defend someone fairly without letting racism block their judgment. A man whose leg has to get amputated as the result of a stray bullet forgives; a man who lost his home and almost lost his wife doesn't give up on what he believes to be right. Many characters within the film personify integrity, perseverance, and bravery in the face of challenging times.
Parents need to know that A Time to Kill is a drama set in Mississippi about a white lawyer (Matthew McConaughey) who defends a black man (Samuel L. Jackson) accused of killing the two white men who raped his 10-year-old daughter. The chain of events following the death of these men creates an atmosphere of tension within the small Southern town, and revenge is sought by the Ku Klux Klan. Expect to see racial violence (including a cross burning) and the use of guns/weapons; characters are killed, and the rape scene is very upsetting. Characters swear ("s--t" and more) and use racially charged slurs (the "N" word); they also drink and smoke. The movie is based on the popular novel by John Grisham and has themes of integrity and perseverance. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
