Iffy for 16+
Gritty drama follows young boy exposed to violence, drugs.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that LUV is a gritty drama that follows a young boy who spends the day tagging along with his fresh-out-of-prison uncle, who's at risk of being pulled back into the underworld. The boy is exposed to several violent encounters with drug dealers and is repeatedly threatened at gunpoint, all of which can be very distressing to watch. Expect plenty of additional violence and rough language (including "f--k" and the "N" word), as well as some drinking and drug content/references.
- Families can talk about how LUV depicts Woody and Vincent's day. Do their experiences and the people they meet seem realistic? Do you think things like this happen in real life?
- What is Vincent trying to teach Woody during the film? Do you think these are appropriate lessons for a young boy?
- Talk about Vincent's choices. Why do you think he went to prison, and what is he trying to accomplish now?
The good stuff
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Messages: Woody's uncle Vincent promises to teach him what it means to be a man, but the lessons in real life soon turn unpleasant. Woody learns that, for an ex-con, real life sometimes means encounters with violent drug dealers, old girlfriends who've moved on, and old friends who might not be as helpful as they claim.
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Role models: Vincent initially seems like a great uncle, taking Woody along for an exciting day of grown-up activities. But the lessons eventually turn dark as the two are dragged into very adult situations, making viewers question Vincent's judgment in letting a child participate in potentially deadly activities.
What to watch for
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Violence: A young boy is exposed to drug deals, violent beatings, and murder while tagging along with his adult uncle. They're threatened at gunpoint at one point, and he's forced to pick up a pistol during another deal gone awry; his uncle berates him afterward for freezing during the conflict.
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Sex: An adult tries to give his young nephew some tips on flirting with women.
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Language: Frequent swearing, with "f--k" and "s--t" in almost every sentence. African Americans frequently refer to each other using the "N" word.
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Consumerism: The main characters spend the day running errands in a fancy Mercedes.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults drink beer during a meal, and they offer one to a young boy. Several scenes feature drug dealers arranging transactions.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A very moving story by veegeenj
Very well done film with a surprising number of well name stars. Good acting and writing. Pretty intense at times, smooth pace. I wish Common appeared in more films; he really is a good actor.
4
Impressive For First-Time Director by charbonete
The story had amazing performances and the story had a lot of potential, though it was uneven at times. But definitely worth seeing, especially if you're an African-American man who wants to see a movie about the dangers of choosing a life of crime.
5
Thoughtful and Touching Story
I was not sure what to expect from this movie, but I was surprisingly delighted. The story gives you a view into the life of someone who has made mistakes in life, but wants more than to go back into that life and is willing to temporarily go back if there is a light at the end of that tunnel. I was impressed with how the lifestyle and tradition of Baltimore was well intrenched in this movie without coming off as fake or cheesy. Being from the area, I felt there was a sense of home in this film. I also felt the balance as far as good flirting with the bad. A man trying to teach a child how to become a man. Much of that is missing in the world today. I appreciate that Vincent attempted to instill principals within the child although he may not have had all the tools to do so. I highly recommend this movie!
4
Good movie ,slightly imbalanced by er1kblad3
Luv was star studded and the motives had intentions.at times the movie appeared to be predictable and a little truth stretchy, but in all a good movie
5
Loved LUV by i_gamble
This was/is a great movie for all people. Common really came through as a strong character that was very believable. The boy (Rainey) showed range and was a bit too quick of a study, which was/is understandable due to time constraints. Basically was a movie about the loss of innocence rather than coming of age. Great for teen boys and all adults
The movie was engaging from start to finish. I'll definitely look to buy this one once it comes out on video!