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Our take
Charlie Wilson's War makes backroom politics witty, but it keeps the suffering of Afghan civilians in view. The office talk is full of f-words, and Washington's parties bring alcohol, drugs and nudity. We would start at 14 and talk about the distance between the jokes and the war.
Uplifting themes
Argues that walking away after a war has costs, and shows people working hard for something they believe in. It also shows how easily good aims get tangled up with ego and secrecy Charlie and his team do some brave things, but they drink, lie, and chase women, so they are not great examples. Their commitment is the best thing to take from them A sharp look at Cold War politics, Congress, and the Soviet war in Afghanistan, told with plenty of humour. Good for older teens who are interested in modern history and how decisions get made
Story (may spoil tone)
A Texas congressman sets a series of events in motion when he conspires with a CIA operative to aid Afghan mujahideen rebels fighting the Soviets.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Helicopters fire on people on the ground, with blood spurting and peopl…
Helicopters fire on people on the ground, with blood spurting and people and animals thrown by blasts. A man describes villages where children were killed in horrifying ways, and an office argument smashes a window
Language The f-word is everywhere in office arguments and phone calls, along wit…
The f-word is everywhere in office arguments and phone calls, along with the s-word, crude words for male anatomy, g-word, and hell. A few lines are crude about women
Sex / nudity A hot tub party briefly shows women's breasts and buttocks and a man's…
A hot tub party briefly shows women's breasts and buttocks and a man's bare rear, and young women are auctioned as slave girls at a fundraiser. There is also a belly dance, flirting, and lots of sexual talk
Drugs / alcohol A woman snorts cocaine in a hot tub and later in a limousine, and the m…
A woman snorts cocaine in a hot tub and later in a limousine, and the main character drinks almost constantly. He is also accused of illegal drug use at parties, and it is played as a Washington joke
Frightening Helicopter attacks and shots of wounded people are tense and sad, but t…
Helicopter attacks and shots of wounded people are tense and sad, but the film moves on quickly. Younger viewers may be upset by the images of suffering
Sexual violence A short conversation mentions a blind girl who was raped and then jaile…
A short conversation mentions a blind girl who was raped and then jailed in Pakistan. It is only talk and no scene is shown, but it is upsetting for younger viewers
Gore / death / weapons Hospital scenes show a boy with burns on his chest and neck and a girl…
Hospital scenes show a boy with burns on his chest and neck and a girl missing both arms. Bodies also appear after the attacks. The film does not linger on gore, but the injuries to children are hard to see
Grief / bereavement Characters mourn war losses, and the camp scenes show families who have…
Characters mourn war losses, and the camp scenes show families who have lost loved ones. It is solemn and short, but it adds real weight to the film
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 a few people in power can change a war. Did you think Charlie was a hero, a hypocrite, or both?
- Characters argue about what happens after the fighting stops. What do you think countries should do once a war ends?
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Charlie Wilson's War
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