In the Valley of Elah parents guide

In the Valley of Elah Parent Guide

Overall C-

When Mike Deerfield (Jonathan Tucker) mysteriously goes missing after returning from a tour of duty in Iraq, his career officer father Hank (Tommy Lee Jones) and devoted mother (Susan Sarandon), become convinced something is seriously wrong. In order to find their son and uncover the truth, the worried parents enlist the help of local police detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron).

Release date September 20, 2007

Violence C-
Sexual Content D
Profanity D
Substance Use D+

Why is In the Valley of Elah rated R? The MPAA rated In the Valley of Elah R for violent and disturbing content, language and some sexuality/nudity.

Parent Movie Review

It’s one thing when you son goes missing on the battlefield of war, but it’s another when he suddenly vanishes from his domestic base. After Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones) gets word of his boy Mike’s (Jonathan Tucker) sudden disappearance after returning from a tour of duty in Iraq, he decides to put his own military law experience into action and investigate the case himself.

Making the long drive to the army post, he is met with polite platitudes from the authorities suggesting perhaps Mike found a good woman to spend some time with. However, when his son’s remains are suddenly discovered on a remote corner of the base, the military police are quick to put the blame on drugs and Mexican gangs. Unwilling to accept their hasty conclusion, Hank takes his concerns to the community’s local police department where he meets Detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron).

The cop initially tells the desperate dad the case is purely a military matter, until Hank does a little sleuthing of his own and manages to convince her the brutal killing actually took place on civilian property. With the city reluctant to claim another unsolved murder, and the army not wanting to have their image marred, Hank is stuck between two bureaucracies while trying to discover the real truth about his son’s horrific death.

As the movie delves into the mystery, what unfolds goes well beyond the typical whodunit. Stellar performances reveal a glimpse into the experiences of young people that are sent into hostile combat situations. The script’s goal is to help the viewer understand the mental price they (and the rest of society) pay for having served their country.

These are important concepts and messages, which obviously explore mature themes and discussions of war violence such as torture and dealing with the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Yet the content parents may not expect from this US R-rated title is the inclusion of female nudity. In the process of tracking down the truth about his son’s death, Hank makes a couple of visits to a strip club and interviews a topless waitress. The unnecessary details in these scenes act as a distraction from an otherwise solid script. Brief male rear nudity is also seen in a shower room and language includes frequent sexual expletives, as well as other profanities.

Paul Haggis, who also directed the 2006 Best Picture Oscar winner Crash, clearly has an ability to bring impact to his work, and this film follows in that regard. Still, as interesting and topical as this subject is, this film’s content will likely prevent it from being seen by many potential audience members.

Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon.. Theatrical release September 20, 2007. Updated

In the Valley of Elah
Rating & Content Info

Why is In the Valley of Elah rated R? In the Valley of Elah is rated R by the MPAA for violent and disturbing content, language and some sexuality/nudity.

This movie takes a serious and discomforting look at what can happen to a young person who is asked to serve his country on the front lines. While there isn’t a lot of on-screen violence, detailed discussions of children being killed, people being tortured, and a brutal murder are heard frequently. We do see burnt and dismembered body parts on a couple of occasions, and a body with lacerations around the neck. Other pictures show some combat situations, including the body of a child lying on the side of a road. Scenes within a strip bar show topless women who are participating in sexual situations with male military patrons. Later, one topless woman has an extended non-sexual conversation with a man. Language includes frequent sexual expletives along with other mild and moderate profanities. Heavy social drinking is depicted. The use of illegal drugs by military personnel is discussed and it’s implied that drugs are a common problem in the military.

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In the Valley of Elah Parents' Guide

This movie details the consequences of serving one’s country in a combat situation. How do you feel about the possible long-term affects war can have upon some soldiers? What do you think society should do about this situation?

Anyone suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can find resources on the Internet to help steer them toward treatment and help. This page at the National Institute of Mental Health may be a good place to start: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

Home Video

The most recent home video release of In the Valley of Elah movie is February 19, 2008. Here are some details…

In the Valley of Elah releases in DVD and Blu-ray formats on February 19, 2008. A HD-DVD version will appear on shelves March 11, 2008.

Related home video titles:

Some classic war movies you could share with older teens are: The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Great Escape and Tora! Tora! Tora!