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Our take
A gifted teenager and a reclusive writer push each other to take their work seriously. Finding Forrester is mostly a talky school and family drama, with race shaping how the boy is treated. There are a couple of f-words and some tense street moments. We would watch from 13.
Uplifting themes
Encourages reading, writing, and honest work, and shows the value of a mentor who believes in you. It also stresses courage in standing up for what is right Jamal is hardworking and loyal to his family, and Forrester slowly learns to trust and share what he knows. Both make mistakes and grow, which gives teens two flawed but admirable people to watch A strong nudge toward literature and good writing, with plenty about craft and reading widely. It also opens talk about education, race, and class
Story (may spoil tone)
Gus Van Sant tells the story of a young African American man named Jamal who confronts his talents while living on the streets of the Bronx. He accidentally runs into an old writer named Forrester who discovers his passion for writing. With help from his new mentor Jamal receives a scholarship to a private school.
What we flagged
Details
Violence A few brief tussles and angry face-offs come up, along with some hard f…
A few brief tussles and angry face-offs come up, along with some hard fouls in basketball games. Nothing is bloody, and each scuffle is over quickly
Language Two f-words and plenty of the s-word turn up, along with damn, hell, an…
Two f-words and plenty of the s-word turn up, along with damn, hell, and a few uses of a-word. Most of the swearing comes in heated arguments between the lead and his mentor
Sex / nudity Boys are seen without clothes in a locker room, two students kiss brief…
Boys are seen without clothes in a locker room, two students kiss briefly in the background, and some mild sexual references come up. A couple of short scenes have moaning heard through a wall
Frightening Kids dare each other to approach the old neighbour they think is a ghos…
Kids dare each other to approach the old neighbour they think is a ghost, which is mildly spooky for younger viewers. The fear passes quickly and turns into something warmer
Bullying / discrimination A teacher is quick to think the worst of Jamal, and racism and class pr…
A teacher is quick to think the worst of Jamal, and racism and class prejudice shape how he is treated at his new school. He pushes back, but the unfairness is clear and may bring up good conversations
Mental health The older writer has shut himself away for decades, and the film shows…
The older writer has shut himself away for decades, and the film shows how loneliness and guilt have weighed on him. His fear of leaving his home is treated with care
Grief / bereavement Loss and regret run through the story, and a sad moment near the end ma…
Loss and regret run through the story, and a sad moment near the end may bring tears. The film handles it gently and with a sense of peace, so the sadness stays gentle
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- Jamal has to decide what to share and what to keep private about his talent. Why do you think he was afraid to let people see his work?
- The film shows how people judged Jamal before they knew him. When have you seen that happen?
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Finding Forrester
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