Making The Grades...

The MPAA rated Hearts In Atlantis (2001) PG-13 for violence and thematic elements.

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Overall: A-
When a mysterious older man comes to live in the apartment upstairs, an eleven-year-old boy befriends him and is profoundly effected by the gentleman's quiet insight and paranoia of strangers. A touching story that clearly illustrates the rewards that come after making great personal sacrifices, parents should be aware this that film contains thematic elements inappropriate for young children or early teens.

Violence: C-
Character mentions book that ends with beheading. Character talks about hiding from men he believes are pursuing him. Character described as gambler. Character shown in trance on couple of occasions. Peer pressure persuades child to participate in gambling. Gunshots fired in background TV program. Bullies restrain two young characters. Male character touches girl's chest. Blackmail used to extort apology. Man makes offhanded joke about shooting women. Character places bet with bookie. Characters listen to boxing match play-by-play on radio. Baseball bat used on two occasions as weapon to injure another character; these violent actions are depicted. Man forces himself on woman; her protestations are heard as he rips her clothing and straddles her. Woman shown with black eye. Painful first-aid treatment rendered. Woman strikes man. Approval expressed for revengeful act.

Sexual Content: C-
Young boy displays obvious disgust at idea of kissing girl, including making cross with fingers to ward off the suggestion. Four kisses exchanged between eleven-year-old boy and girl. Boy shown removing pants to reveal underwear/bathing suit before swimming. Phrase "Hotsy-totsy" used to describe female on two occasions. Woman shown in slip tries on various dresses, adjusts breasts once. Homosexual nicknames and cross-dressing mentioned. Passionate kiss between couple shown briefly. Cheaply dressed barmaid comments particular man was good customer. Appropriate affection shown between adult and child characters. Man sexually assaults woman. Girls' shirt is unbuttoned and undershirt shown. Open housecoat reveals woman's slip.

Language: C
At least: 6 moderate and 3 mild profanities, 2 mild and 2 moderate sexual slang terms, 3 uses of derogatory homosexual names, 2 discussions about flatulence that include imitating the noise, name calling, and 2 terms of Deity used as expletives.

Alcohol / Drug Use: C
Main character shown smoking throughout film. Mother shown smoking several times, and drinking alcohol twice, to calm nerves. Smoking and alcohol shown in pool hall setting. Intoxicated character shown.

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