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Our take
Four boys are abused in a juvenile facility, and Sleepers follows the damage into their adult lives. The abuse is mostly implied but unmistakable, while the beatings, revenge shootings and constant strong language make the rest no easier. We would keep this for adults: R 18+ and up.
Uplifting themes
Loyalty and friendship between the men drive the story, and a priest tries to protect them. The film also treats revenge as a justified answer, so the message is mixed A few adults, such as a caring priest and a loyal friend, try to do right by the boys. Most others are corrupt or cruel, and the young men's own choices are flawed Gives a glimpse of 1960s and 1970s Hell's Kitchen and of juvenile detention. It works better as a drama than as a history lesson
Story (may spoil tone)
Two gangsters seek revenge on the state jail worker who during their stay at a youth prison sexually abused them. A sensational court hearing takes place to charge him for the crimes.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Guards beat and humiliate the boys, and the adult storyline brings shoo…
Guards beat and humiliate the boys, and the adult storyline brings shootings and street violence. Fights break out often, and the threat of harm hangs over many scenes
Language The f-word comes constantly, from guards, street kids, and gangsters al…
The f-word comes constantly, from guards, street kids, and gangsters alike, along with the s-word and cruel insults aimed at the boys. Aggressive swearing runs through most scenes
Sex / nudity Crude sexual talk and insults are common, and a few brief moments touch…
Crude sexual talk and insults are common, and a few brief moments touch on nudity and sex without much detail. The heavier sexual material in the story is about abuse
Drugs / alcohol Adults drink heavily, one lawyer is a known drunk, and heroin dealing a…
Adults drink heavily, one lawyer is a known drunk, and heroin dealing and cocaine use come up in the crime plot. Drinking and smoking show up in many scenes
Frightening The abuse scenes, revenge shootings, and a tense courtroom confrontatio…
The abuse scenes, revenge shootings, and a tense courtroom confrontation keep the mood heavy and anxious. The trauma tone is hard to shake for most of the runtime
Sexual violence Guards sexually abuse the boys in disturbing scenes that are mostly imp…
Guards sexually abuse the boys in disturbing scenes that are mostly implied but unmistakable, and the aftermath is discussed in frank adult dialogue later. The abuse drives the whole story
Child peril / abuse Boys in custody are beaten, locked up, humiliated, and left with no one…
Boys in custody are beaten, locked up, humiliated, and left with no one to help them. The harm is shown or strongly implied, and its effects follow them into adulthood
Bullying / discrimination Guards taunt the boys, make them eat on their knees, and use cruel name…
Guards taunt the boys, make them eat on their knees, and use cruel names. Street kids also push each other around, and abuse of power is a constant
Gore / death / weapons Beaten faces, gunshot wounds and bodies on the ground are shown clearly…
Beaten faces, gunshot wounds and bodies on the ground are shown clearly, though the camera does not linger. Some injuries are shown close up after the guards' beatings
Dangerous behaviour A reckless street prank puts someone at risk, and young teens shoplift…
A reckless street prank puts someone at risk, and young teens shoplift and run wild. Guns are handled casually by some of the older characters
Mental health The boys' trauma shows up as shame, silence, anger, and isolation for y…
The boys' trauma shows up as shame, silence, anger, and isolation for years afterward. Few characters talk about it openly, and survivors are left to carry it alone
Grief / bereavement Funerals appear, and loss shapes how several of the men act and what th…
Funerals appear, and loss shapes how several of the men act and what they are willing to do. The sadness is quiet but runs deep through the whole story
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
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Talk after watching
- The film shows how silence about abuse can hurt survivors for years afterward. How can a young person find a trusted adult to tell?
- The men choose revenge over other options. What do you think the film wants us to feel about that choice?
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