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Our take
Armed robberies and a hostage's fear give The Town its tension, with a long firefight at the end. Strong swearing is nearly constant, and drugs, addiction and sex scenes are part of the neighbourhood story. We would keep it for 17 and up, especially with the criminals' skill made to look appealing.
Uplifting themes
Loyalty, a wish to leave a bad life, and the cost of crime sit at the centre. It is built on a lot of violence, so the message is mixed The lead tries to be a better man, but he and his friends are armed criminals who hurt real people. Their loyalty to each other is the main thing that looks admirable A look at how crime can pass down through families in a single Boston neighbourhood. Older teens could talk about that, but it is a thriller first and not a lesson plan
Story (may spoil tone)
A proficient group of thieves rob a bank and hold the manager hostage. Things begin to get complicated when one of the crew members falls in love with her.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Bank robberies turn rough, with hostages pistol-whipped, shots fired at…
Bank robberies turn rough, with hostages pistol-whipped, shots fired at police, and a firefight on crowded city streets. A bar attack and a violent drug dispute add more. The whole film has an armed threat in the air
Language The f-word is nearly constant, along with the s-word, slurs, and crude…
The f-word is nearly constant, along with the s-word, slurs, and crude insults, especially during robberies and heated arguments. Few scenes pass without strong swearing
Sex / nudity A couple of sex scenes are shown with movement and bare shoulders, and…
A couple of sex scenes are shown with movement and bare shoulders, and the lead sleeps with a woman he has just met. Sexual talk comes up among friends
Drugs / alcohol Oxycodone, cocaine, and heavy drinking show up in a neighbourhood where…
Oxycodone, cocaine, and heavy drinking show up in a neighbourhood where drugs fuel crime. A young woman's pill and cocaine habit is a major thread, and dealers work in the open
Frightening Masked robbers, a hostage's terror, and a long, intense stadium finale…
Masked robbers, a hostage's terror, and a long, intense stadium finale keep the tension high. The captive scenes may upset some teens
Sexual violence A criminal threatens a witness with sexual harm and murder in a menacin…
A criminal threatens a witness with sexual harm and murder in a menacing speech. It is verbal only and no assault is shown, but it is meant to terrify and it lands
Child peril / abuse A small child lives in a house of addicts and criminals, and in one sce…
A small child lives in a house of addicts and criminals, and in one scene she is in the middle of a shouting match. She is not physically harmed on screen
Bullying / discrimination Slurs aimed at race and sexuality are part of blunt crew banter, and a…
Slurs aimed at race and sexuality are part of blunt crew banter, and a rival's ethnicity is mocked. Characters rarely challenge it
Gore / death / weapons Blood shows on beaten faces and gunshot wounds, and several bodies are…
Blood shows on beaten faces and gunshot wounds, and several bodies are seen after shootouts. One injury lingers. It is realistic and not sadistic
Dangerous behaviour Robberies are planned in detail, with disguises, getaway cars, and tact…
Robberies are planned in detail, with disguises, getaway cars, and tactics shown step by step. The criminals look cool and capable
Mental health A kidnapped woman shows lingering fear, and the heroes carry guilt and…
A kidnapped woman shows lingering fear, and the heroes carry guilt and trauma from the life they lead. Few of them get any real help or take any
Grief / bereavement A mother's long absence and a father in prison weigh on the lead. It is…
A mother's long absence and a father in prison weigh on the lead. It is part of why he feels stuck in his neighbourhood and drawn back to old friends
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 lead wants out of the life but keeps getting pulled back. What makes it so hard for him to leave?
- The film makes the crew look skilled and loyal. How do you see their choices differently when you meet the people they hurt?
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The Town
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