a walk among the tombstones parents guide

Daniel Parker

2 min read

·

23-02-2025

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A Walk Among the Tombstones is a 2014 neo-noir action thriller directed by Scott Frank, based on the novel of the same name by Lawrence Block. Starring Liam Neeson as Matthew Scudder, a private investigator with a troubled past, the film delves into a dark and gritty world of crime and violence. Before you decide if it's appropriate for your family, let's take a closer look at the content that warrants a thorough parents' guide.

Violence and Gore

This is the most significant aspect to consider. The film contains considerable violence, including:

• Graphic depictions of murder: The film showcases several murders, some of which are quite brutal and shown in detail. These aren't implied; they are depicted visually.
• Torture: There are scenes depicting torture and its aftermath, which could be disturbing for younger viewers.
• Gun violence: Frequent gun violence is a core element of the plot. Shootouts are intense and realistic.
• Blood and gore: The film is not shy about showing blood and gore, which may be upsetting to sensitive viewers.

These elements are integral to the narrative, creating the film's intense and suspenseful atmosphere.

Mature Themes

Beyond the violence, the film tackles mature themes that require consideration:

• Drug use: Drug references and implications of drug use are present.
• Language: The film uses strong language, including profanity and obscenities. This is consistent with the gritty tone and characters.
• Death and grief: The film deals extensively with death, loss, and grief, stemming from Scudder's personal struggles and the cases he investigates.
• Moral ambiguity: The film doesn't present clear-cut heroes and villains; characters operate in a morally gray area.

Suitable Age Range

Given the graphic violence, mature themes, and strong language, A Walk Among the Tombstones is not suitable for children or younger teenagers. Parents should exercise extreme caution and strongly consider the maturity level of their children before allowing them to watch this film. A rating of R is appropriate and reflects the content well. We recommend this film for viewers aged 17 and older.

Discussion Points for Families

If you choose to watch the film as a family (with mature teenagers), consider these discussion points afterward:

• The consequences of violence and the cycle of revenge.
• The complexities of morality and justice.
• Coping with grief and loss.
• The importance of seeking help for personal struggles.

By engaging in these discussions, you can help your children process the film's intense content and learn valuable lessons.

Overall Impression

A Walk Among the Tombstones is a gripping thriller that will likely appeal to adult audiences who enjoy neo-noir crime dramas. However, the graphic violence and mature themes make it unsuitable for younger viewers. This parents' guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the film's content to help parents make informed decisions about whether or not to let their children watch it. Remember to always preview films before allowing your children to watch them, and use this guide as a starting point for your own assessment.