I'm Not Ashamed (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Based on the journal entries of Rachel Joy Scott, the first student killed in the Columbine High School shooting in 1999.
Rated PG-13 • 2016 • 1h 53m
Based on the journals of its main character, Rachel Joy Scott, "I'm Not Ashamed" is a faith-based drama that culminates in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. The film earned its PG-13 rating for its significant thematic weight, depiction of the tragic shooting, and scenes of teen substance use. Parents should be aware of intense themes including bullying, suicidal ideation, and parental abandonment. The climax graphically depicts… Sign up for the full guide
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Is I'm Not Ashamed appropriate for kids?
Based on the journals of its main character, Rachel Joy Scott, "I'm Not Ashamed" is a faith-based drama that culminates in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. The film earned its PG-13 rating for its significant thematic weight, depiction of the tragic shooting, and scenes… Read more — free account
Content severity in I'm Not Ashamed
What happens in I'm Not Ashamed, moment by moment
- 0:02 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:15 🍷 Substances 3/10
- 0:26 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in I'm Not Ashamed
Content is suggestive but not explicit. There are a couple of chaste kisses between teenagers. In one scene, a boy expects Rachel to have sex with him but she refuses. Infidelity is implied when Rachel's friend is seen buttoning her shirt as she leaves a room with Rachel's boyfriend. There is no nudity.
Violence and gore in I'm Not Ashamed
Violence is moderate for most of the film but becomes strong and disturbing in the climax. Earlier scenes depict bullying, including a student being physically shoved into a door and a fistfight between two teen boys. The shooters are shown planning their attack and making menacing videos with weapons. The film's final act reenacts the beginning of the Columbine shooting, showing students being shot and culminating in the main character, Rachel, being shot and killed on-screen.
Language in I'm Not Ashamed
Language is very mild. There is no major profanity, but some derogatory name-calling occurs during scenes of bullying. This includes at least two uses of the word 'retard'.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in I'm Not Ashamed
Teens are shown smoking cigarettes on a few occasions. At a high school party, teenagers drink alcohol from red cups. As a plot point, Rachel's stepfather finds a beer bottle in her car. A homeless character's mother is referenced as being addicted to heroin, though this is not shown.
Mature themes in I'm Not Ashamed
The film is built on heavy thematic material. It centrally explores Christian faith, prayer, and martyrdom. It also deals with parental abandonment, teen social alienation, and pervasive bullying. Rachel briefly contemplates suicide in a moment of despair. The primary theme is the real-world tragedy of the Columbine shooting, with the film exploring grief, loss, and finding meaning in violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I'm Not Ashamed appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests I'm Not Ashamed is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Based on the journals of its main character, Rachel Joy Scott, "I'm Not Ashamed" is a faith-based drama that culminates in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. The film earned its PG-13 rating for its significant…
What age rating does I'm Not Ashamed have?
I'm Not Ashamed is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is I'm Not Ashamed about?
Based on the journals of its main character, Rachel Joy Scott, "I'm Not Ashamed" is a faith-based drama that culminates in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. The film earned its PG-13 rating for its significant thematic weight, depiction of the tragic shooting, and scenes of teen substance use. Parents should be…
Is there sex or nudity in I'm Not Ashamed?
Content is suggestive but not explicit. There are a couple of chaste kisses between teenagers. In one scene, a boy expects Rachel to have sex with him but she refuses. Infidelity is implied when Rachel's friend is seen buttoning her shirt as she leaves a room…
How violent is I'm Not Ashamed?
Violence is moderate for most of the film but becomes strong and disturbing in the climax. Earlier scenes depict bullying, including a student being physically shoved into a door and a fistfight between two teen boys. The shooters are shown planning their…
Is the language in I'm Not Ashamed appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild. There is no major profanity, but some derogatory name-calling occurs during scenes of bullying. This includes at least two uses of the word 'retard'.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in I'm Not Ashamed?
Teens are shown smoking cigarettes on a few occasions. At a high school party, teenagers drink alcohol from red cups. As a plot point, Rachel's stepfather finds a beer bottle in her car. A homeless character's mother is referenced as being addicted to heroin…
What mature themes appear in I'm Not Ashamed?
The film is built on heavy thematic material. It centrally explores Christian faith, prayer, and martyrdom. It also deals with parental abandonment, teen social alienation, and pervasive bullying. Rachel briefly contemplates suicide in a moment of despair…
How long is I'm Not Ashamed?
I'm Not Ashamed runs 113 minutes, directed by Brian Baugh, released in 2016.
Where can I read the full I'm Not Ashamed parent guide?
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