Why We Fight (2005) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Is American foreign policy dominated by the idea of military supremacy? Has the military become too important in American life? Jarecki's shrewd and intelligent polemic would seem to give an affirmative answer to each of these questions.
Rated PG-13 • 2005 • 1h 38m
This PG-13 documentary examines the influence of the American military-industrial complex on U.S. foreign policy. Its rating is primarily due to disturbing, real-life war imagery and thematic material. The film includes archival footage of bombings, combat, and brief, non-graphic depictions of casualties from conflicts like Vietnam and the Iraq War. It also contains some complex and mature themes about the human cost of war and a brief… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Why We Fight appropriate for kids?
This PG-13 documentary examines the influence of the American military-industrial complex on U.S. foreign policy. Its rating is primarily due to disturbing, real-life war imagery and thematic material. The film includes archival footage of bombings, combat, and brief… Read more — free account
Content severity in Why We Fight
What happens in Why We Fight, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:22 🍷 Substances 2/10
Sex and nudity in Why We Fight
None. Sexual content and nudity are not present.
Violence and gore in Why We Fight
Moderate. The film relies heavily on archival footage of real-world conflict. This includes numerous scenes of bombs being dropped from planes, large explosions, and buildings being destroyed in Iraq and Vietnam. There are brief, non-graphic historical images of wounded or dead soldiers and civilians. While there is no glorified or personal violence, the real-world 'shock and awe' footage and depictions of combat are intense and disturbing.
Language in Why We Fight
Brief and infrequent. The PG-13 rating is partly for 'brief language.' There is at least one use of the 'f-word' during an interview segment. Other milder curse words may be used, but profanity is not pervasive.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Why We Fight
Very mild. A few interview subjects, including veterans and analysts, are shown smoking cigarettes while they talk. No other substance use is depicted.
Mature themes in Why We Fight
The film's central themes are strong and mature. It critically examines the morality of war, propaganda, political deception, and the economic incentives behind military conflict, stemming from President Eisenhower's titular warning. The personal story of Wilton Sekzer, a man who lost his son on 9/11, provides a recurring emotional thread about grief, patriotism, and subsequent disillusionment with the Iraq War. Discussions of high casualty counts and the human cost of war are frequent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Why We Fight appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Why We Fight is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This PG-13 documentary examines the influence of the American military-industrial complex on U.S. foreign policy. Its rating is primarily due to disturbing, real-life war imagery and thematic material. The film includes…
What age rating does Why We Fight have?
Why We Fight is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Why We Fight about?
This PG-13 documentary examines the influence of the American military-industrial complex on U.S. foreign policy. Its rating is primarily due to disturbing, real-life war imagery and thematic material. The film includes archival footage of bombings, combat, and brief, non-graphic depictions of casualties from…
Is there sex or nudity in Why We Fight?
None. Sexual content and nudity are not present.
How violent is Why We Fight?
Moderate. The film relies heavily on archival footage of real-world conflict. This includes numerous scenes of bombs being dropped from planes, large explosions, and buildings being destroyed in Iraq and Vietnam. There are brief, non-graphic historical images…
Is the language in Why We Fight appropriate for kids?
Brief and infrequent. The PG-13 rating is partly for 'brief language.' There is at least one use of the 'f-word' during an interview segment. Other milder curse words may be used, but profanity is not pervasive.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Why We Fight?
Very mild. A few interview subjects, including veterans and analysts, are shown smoking cigarettes while they talk. No other substance use is depicted.
What mature themes appear in Why We Fight?
The film's central themes are strong and mature. It critically examines the morality of war, propaganda, political deception, and the economic incentives behind military conflict, stemming from President Eisenhower's titular warning. The personal story of…
How long is Why We Fight?
Why We Fight runs 98 minutes, directed by Eugene Jarecki, released in 2005.
Where can I read the full Why We Fight parent guide?
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