I Am (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests I Am is best for ages 13+. It's rated 14. This unrated documentary follows director Tom Shadyac on a personal journey to understand what's wrong with modern society and how we can improve it. Prompted by his recovery from a serious cycling accident, Shadyac…

I Am is officially rated 14. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

This unrated documentary follows director Tom Shadyac on a personal journey to understand what's wrong with modern society and how we can improve it. Prompted by his recovery from a serious cycling accident, Shadyac interviews scientists, philosophers, and spiritual leaders about materialism, cooperation, and…

Sexual content is not a focus. Brief archival footage may show indigenous people who are partially-clothed (including bare-breasted women) in a non-sexual, anthropological context. The film discusses human connection and love in a philosophical sense.

Violence is very limited, but includes one key moment that may be disturbing. There is a brief but shocking and somewhat graphic medical illustration of an eye injury shown to make a scientific point. The director also discusses his serious cycling accident…

Language is very mild. There are only a couple of minor expletives, including single uses of "ass" and "damn."

Substance use is minimal and purely incidental. An interviewee may be seen with a glass of wine, but there is no focus on alcohol, drugs, or smoking.

The documentary is built entirely on mature themes. It heavily critiques materialism, consumerism, and the negative societal effects of a competition-driven worldview. It explores complex concepts like empathy, consciousness, and cooperation. The director is…

I Am runs 76 minutes, directed by Tom Shadyac, released in 2011.

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