American Made
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to American Made
American Made (2017) is a biographical crime action-comedy film directed by Doug Liman and starring Tom Cruise. The movie is inspired by the real-life exploits of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot who became a drug smuggler for the Medellín Cartel and a DEA informant during the 1980s. The film blends humor, thrills, and suspense as it chronicles Seal's audacious double life, navigating between the CIA, drug lords, and various law enforcement agencies. Set against the backdrop of the Reagan-era War on Drugs and the Iran-Contra affair, the narrative follows Seal's rise and eventual downfall due to his relentless pursuit of wealth and adventure. The movie is rated R for strong language, pervasive drug content, and sexual material, making it suitable for mature audiences only.
Things to Consider
Romance and Sexual Content
The movie features significant sexual and romantic content, including explicit scenes of marital sex, suggestive dialogue, and partial nudity (buttocks). The content is frequent and visually or audibly detailed, although full frontal nudity is avoided.
Lucy Seal is frequently shown in skimpy negligees, waiting for Barry. Several scenes depict Barry and Lucy having sex, including a quick-cut montage showing them in three different locations, and one scene in a plane cockpit with explicit movements and noises. Barry is seen mooning his family jokingly, displaying his bare rear a couple of times. Barry gives pornographic magazines to men in Central America to avoid being robbed.
Profanity
The film contains extensive and strong profanity throughout, contributing significantly to its R-rating. Numerous explicit curse words, including frequent use of the F-word and misuses of God's and Jesus' names, are present.
Substance Use
Substance use is central to the plot, with frequent and extensive depictions of illegal drug trafficking, specifically cocaine. Characters are shown handling large quantities of drugs, and there are references to widespread drug abuse. Alcohol and tobacco use are also shown recreationally.
Disrespect & Rebellion
The central character, Barry Seal, embodies a high degree of disrespect for laws, authority figures, and societal norms. His entire livelihood is built upon rebellion against legal systems and government regulations, and he often displays a cavalier attitude towards the consequences.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Not recommended for viewers under 17 due to pervasive strong language, explicit sexual content with implied nudity, frequent and graphic depictions of illegal drug trafficking and use, moderate violence, and themes of rebellion and amorality. Parents and caregivers should exercise extreme caution.
Good to Know
The film is noted for its highly fictionalized account of Barry Seal's life, taking significant liberties with historical facts. Viewers should be aware that the movie prioritizes entertainment over strict historical accuracy. The narrative can be seen as glorifying criminal activity through its charismatic portrayal of Barry Seal, despite his ultimate demise. The movie's rapid pacing and comedic tone may make the serious subject matter of drug trafficking and government corruption seem less impactful to some viewers.
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