Life in a Day Review

Messages: The movie's overwhelming message is that in a single day, most humans experience more similarities than differences -- we wake up, eat, work, play, love, and go to sleep. Because it was shot by hundreds of filmmakers from around the world, there's a universality to the movie that demonstrates how we're all global siblings going about our day; it's just the culture that changes.

Role models: Since the movie doesn't follow any characters for much time, it's hard to identify any role models. A widower father makes a heartfelt statement about how at least his family is alive, even if they have very little shelter, food, or money. A couple renews their vows after 50 years of marriage. But on the other hand, one man is shown shoplifting a snack from a convenience store.

Violence: Disturbing images include people living in poverty (sleeping on floors, children with no shoes living 14 to a single room); coverage of the deadly Love Parade in Germany that resulted in trampling (viewers see emergency medical technicians working on a person prostate on the floor and transferring other injured or possibly dead people); a few people who carry weapons in their pockets; and the grisly, bloody sight of a cow being slaughtered (first shot in the head with an air gun, then nearly decapitated by a butcher).

Sex: In the "What Do You Love?" segment, there are shots of couples holding hands, hugging, and kissing and a woman in a bra sitting with her back to the camera. During an anniversary ceremony, the priest reads vows written by the groom that jokingly ask whether the bride is willing to perform oral sex more often, plus other sexual innuendo.

Language: Most of the language is via subtitles; spoken words include "bulls--t," "s--t," "ass," "damn," "goddamn," "prick," and the like.

Consumerism: During the "What Do You Carry Around?" section, people pull out everything from a purse containing all Marc Jacobs accessories to a Lamborghini keychain and car.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: A few people around the world are shown drinking (in fact, the opening shot is of a drunk-looking man confirming that the date is July 24, 2010). One man (whose face isn't shown) confesses to having syringes in his pockets.