Iffy for 13+
Faith-based drama about adoption, abortion, forgiveness.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that October Baby isn't meant for young or sensitive kids. It focuses on very heavy issues that parents are likely to want to discuss with teens who watch: family deception, the would-be grim consequences of a failed late-term abortion, and a young woman's struggle with anger and depression. In a particularly disturbing scene, a witness recalls the graphic details of the abortion attempt. The filmmakers (brothers who wrote, directed, produced, shot, and edited the movie) bring a clear Christian point of view to the material; after a dizzying array of complications, everything is resolved through faith and a devotion to religious values. Despite October Baby's subject matter, there's no sexual activity; there's also no swearing or offensive language, no on-camera drinking or smoking, and no violent action.
- Families can talk about what different audiences might get out of October Baby. If you're religious, do movies like this one help reaffirm your beliefs or introduce new ones? If you're not religious, what can you learn from them?
- What are some of the different attitudes in movies and television about teen pregnancy? Why do you think kids are interested in shows like Teen Mom?
- Talk about honesty between parents and kids. When, if ever, is it OK for parents to lie or keep secrets from their children? Teens: If you've ever been caught lying, how did your parents deal with it?
The good stuff
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Messages: For those in the pro-life community, October Baby has positive messages, though it promotes that message in an emotional way that may or may not be appropriate for all families. It also promotes forgiveness, acceptance, honest communication, and learning to trust again after betrayal. Characters find faith-based solutions to their problems.
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Role models: Hannah is an intelligent, loving young woman who's troubled without knowing why. Viewers take a critical journey with her as she matures, confronts secrets and lies that have had a tumultuous effect on her life, and ultimately forgives those involved. While her friend Jason is supportive, caring, and unselfish, her adoptive parents (a very controlling father and a passive mother) make mistakes and show little respect for their daughter's intelligence or stability. But ultimately, they, too, benefit from introspection and faith.
What to watch for
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Violence: One disturbing scene in which a medical nurse graphically describes a late-term abortion that had catastrophic results.
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Sex: A clear effort is made to show that the teens involved aren't sexually active. But the story is propelled by an unwed teen pregnancy that led to a late-term abortion years earlier.
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Language: Not an issue
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: One young man suffers from a hangover and black eye after having had a drink called a "hand grenade." He remembers little except that he was picked up by police for disorderly conduct. The leading character takes prescription drugs for legitimate medical issues.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
OCTOBER BABY: EVERY LIFE IS PRECIOUS by Brian Tada
This was one of the most powerfully moving, emotionally gripping films I?ve ever seen -- the story of an abortion survivor who seeks closure by searching for her birth mother and in her quest for identity, wrestles with deep soul wounds of rejection, betrayal and bitterness until she discovers the power of forgiveness. Both serious and comical scenes are interwoven skillfully with superb cinematography and very believable acting. Interestingly, an actress in the movie had an abortion in real life, and in a scene when she broke down and cried, she said (during the credits) this was not just acting, but also helping her own healing process. The movie is striking a chord, and at the afternoon showing in San Jose, CA the room was two-thirds full by the time I arrived 20 minutes before showtime. I love how this film respectfully treats a sensitive topic with grace, balance and objectivity. This life-impacting movie will inspire the entire family to discuss why each life is truly precious.
5
See it! by crolf01
This was a well done, quality film with a powerful message of redemption! It was beautifully done, and emphasized the importance of all life. I have highly reccommended this hope-filled movie to friends and family.
5
You're gonna love it! by pappajubi
Not "preachy" but honestly displaying the tragedy of abortion and the sad consequences of it from all the different angles. Never heard of a movie made to look at the life of an abortion survivor! You will cry, laugh, heal and cry & laugh some more. Forgiveness and love is something we all need and should give. Every life is beautiful! Celebrate it!
High quality entertainment, that you will not only LOVE, but will recommend it to everyone you know! Go see it now!!
5
Some Critics are Robots, Some Critics have a Heart. by BRIBRIANN
As objectively placed as the critics try to be, I believe that, from one human being to another, you can't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion while watching this film. It was very beautiful. I'll always remember this movie, Christian or not, it causes you to search the innermost places in your soul.
5
HEART TWISTING! by Optimism
Super emotionally-involving, this seemingly simple 'road' story of discovery will be the most memorable movie you have seen. Guaranteed. Well-acted, surprising (!) humorous, charming and so heart-gripping, you will never forget it. Transformational? YES.
5
October Baby Was Fabulous! by krickenbach
My husband and I went to see October baby last night. We both loved it! The story line was very moving but also humorous at times. The cinematography was fabulous. Rachel Hendrix does an amazing job acting as Hannah. The rest of the audience must have loved October Baby too, because they broke into spontanious applause after the movie was over!
This moving may be in appropriate for young children because of thematic elements.
4
October Baby by redhatlady59
October Baby is an Amazing Movie.. so real life and dramatic.. funny, sensible and honest.
The Women who played Hannah was very realistic. I never once felt like she was "acting" the part.. she was amazing.. you felt her pain, anger and frustration.. and her joy..
John Schneider did an awesome job playing the role as the father.. very honest and you knew without a shadow of a doubt he would do ANYTHING to protect his daughter..
Hollywood, we need more movies like this.. the issue of abortion is here and handled with dignity and respect, while reminding us all that we have all falling short to the glory of our God.
And He has forgiving our sins and we too have the "Choice" to forgive, which set us FREE!!
Make more of these please!!
It warms a mothers heart when her teenage children want to see movies like this and you know you can watch it with them and not have to monitor what they see.
Thank you, thank you.
5
LIFE CHANGING!!!! by ssdreambig
In a time where people seem to play it safe with plots and predictable story telling, it is REFRESHING to finally see a film of great substance that is filled with AMAZING performances! John Schneider was phenomenal and believable in his role as a father and truly captured all the emotions and moments with brilliance. The whole cast and ensemble used their heart and soul in their performances. I have never seen a movie where so many people, strangers. were talking in groups in the lobby and parking lot. There is something for everyone and a lesson to be learned. I am grateful for the subtle nuances in the story and was thrilled that they DID NOT have GRAPHIC scenes or uncomfortable procedure moments. It is only implied in dialogue. I had not been to the movies in 8 years and I got out to see this one! AMAZING!!! I can not say enough!!!! GO SEE IT!!!! There is so much more than you could EVER IMAGINE! It is LIFE CHANGING!!!! LOVED THIS FILM!!!! :) SMILES!!!!
5
Very touching,.. a MUST SEE for all,...especially young ladies by gabi_antemie
This was a great movie. The fact that it was based on a true story, the life story of Gianna Jessen, made it even more amazing. It is a story about a brave young girl that is facing huge challenges and pain in her life but makes the decision to forgive and let it go. Inspirational!!