Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close parents guide

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Parent Guide

An incredible performance by newcomer Thomas Horn and the portrayal of resilient New Yorkers makes "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" a film that helps restore one's faith in humanity.

Overall A

A young boy (Thomas Horn) struggles to unlock some meaning in the death of his father in the 9/11 World Trade Center Disaster. His quest also opens his eyes to the lives of others.

Release date January 20, 2012

Violence B-
Sexual Content A-
Profanity C-
Substance Use B

Why is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close rated PG-13? The MPAA rated Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close PG-13 for emotional thematic material, some disturbing images, and language.

Run Time: 120 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

The horrific events of 9-11 have already been recounted in films like World Trade Center and United 93. But now Director Stephen Daldry offers an intimate look into the life of one of those left behind—nine-year-old Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn).

Even before the “worst day ever”, Oskar struggled with anxiety, though medical examinations failed to confirm a diagnosis. But since his father (Tom Hanks) died in the Towers, Oskar’s odd behaviors have increased. And try as she might, his mother (Sandra Bullock) who is dealing with her own grief, isn’t able to connect with her son.

Months after the tragedy, Oskar goes into his father’s clothes closet where he discovers a key hidden inside a blue vase. Convinced that finding the lock the key fits will bring him closer to his dad, Oskar sets out on a reconnaissance-like mission. Mapping out the locations of people with the last name Black (the surname he found on the envelope that held the key), he transverses every New York City borough hoping someone will have a clue.

Oskar’s wild rants, erratic behaviors and rude interactions don’t always make him a likable character. But they may make him more believable considering what he has experienced.  While learning to control these parts of his personality is difficult, Oskar’s compassion for others increases dramatically as he comes to recognize the losses and difficulties endured by so many people.

The depiction of the burning Towers, a falling office worker, self-mutilation and the discussion of death make this film a heavy watch. However an incredible performance by newcomer Thomas Horn and the portrayal of resilient New Yorkers makes Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close a film that helps restore one’s faith in humanity and man’s ability to survive.

Release Date: 25 December 2011 Limited (Opens wide January 20, 2012)

Directed by Stephen Daldry . Starring Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock. Running time: 120 minutes. Theatrical release January 20, 2012. Updated

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Rating & Content Info

Why is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close rated PG-13? Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for emotional thematic material, some disturbing images, and language.

Violence: Several characters discuss the events of 9-11. Some depictions of the day, including the famous falling man photo, are shown. A child makes rude comments to and yells at adults. A child practices self-mutilation (by pinching himself). A person imagines someone falling from the building. A mother and child argue. A character is bullied.

Sexual Content: A man wears drag. Some kissing and embracing is shown.

Language: A character uses modified profanities including two that sound like a strong sexual expletive. Some name-calling is used.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters talk about smoking. A man drinks in a bar. Another has alcohol in his office.

Page last updated

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Parents' Guide

The image of the falling man is one of the most famous pictures of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  

Why does Oskar resort to self-mutilation? Why do some individuals use this as a coping mechanism?

How does Oskar’s mother balance her fears and grief with her desire for her son to succeed? How do people in this story deal with grief and disappointment? Before his death, what does Oskar’s father do to help his son become more self-confident and capable?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close movie is March 27, 2012. Here are some details…

Home Video Rating: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Release Date: 27 March 2012

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close release to home video with the following bonus extras:

- Making Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

- Finding Oskar

- Ten Years Later

- Max von Sydow: Dialogues with The Renter

Related home video titles:

Sandra Bullock plays another mother figure in the movie The Blind Side. Other stories based on the 9/11 tragedies include World Trade Center and United 93. For the tenth anniversary of the fateful day, Nickelodeon Network’s Nick News put together a documentary to try and help youngsters understand What Happened? The Story of September 11, 2001

Related news about Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Wicked Rumored to be Coming to Theaters in 2016

Wicked Rumored to be Coming to Theaters in 2016

{parents:pull_quote}

Canadian Theaters Join American Cinemas with Sensory Friendly Films

Canadian Theaters Join American Cinemas with Sensory Friendly Films

{parents:pull_quote}

Cast Signs on for New Star Wars Movie

Cast Signs on for New Star Wars Movie

{parents:pull_quote}