Information for Parents

Far from the Tree

Far from the Tree

Common Sense Media Age 10

Parents Need To Know

Positive Messages
Strong messages about importance of empathy and compassion in parenting -- understanding that kids won't necessarily be/act like their parents or even like anything parents expected. Promotes tolerance, acceptance of differences, whether physical, emotional, or regarding identity. Also reveals that so-called sociopaths or criminals don't always come from a fractured home.
Positive Role Models & Representations
Violence
Discussion of the brutal murder of a child committed by a teenager (the murderer is one of the children whose parents are followed in the documentary). Also stories of discrimination, sadness, worry, and fear.
Sex
Discussion about sexual feelings and sexual orientation. A man explains how he tried to "cure" his homosexuality (which his parents considered an illness at the time) by seeing female sexual surrogates. Brief shot of people kissing in the background at a conference. A married couple embraces and kisses. A woman says her husband used to joke "I like your 'ism'" as a euphemism for her curves/butt/hips.
Language
Infrequent; includes "ass," "oh my God," "oh my gosh," "stupid."
Consumerism
Brief glimpses of outerwear like the North Face and Patagonia and movies like Frozen, which one person watches a great deal. Also glimpses of Toshiba, Nike, Purell, Sesame Street.
Education Value
Ease of Play
Privacy
Champagne toast at a wedding.
Common Sense Media web site