Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Foster

film

Foster

2011

Looking to adopt a child and unable to conceive a child of their own, the Morrisons' lives are turned upside down when a seven-year-old boy unexpectedly shows up on their doorstep.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Products & advertising2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

A Legoland visit and souvenir purchase appear, while the toy-company storyline includes developing and selling a successful product.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The central conflict stems from the previous accidental death of the couple's young son.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Likely occasional mild language in this family-friendly film; no strong profanity or slurs are indicated, but the available passages do not list specific words.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Religious practice is not central, though Eli, Mr. Potts, Mrs. Lang, and Jane are implied to be angels.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

The core of the film is a married couple reconciling their relationship and overcoming marital tension.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild tension regarding the mysterious nature of the boy and the sadness of the parents' situation.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No sexual content.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

The death of a child in a past car accident is discussed, but no graphic violence is shown.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters show emotional courage in facing their grief.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Eli inventively helps repair the marriage, and his ideas inspire Alec’s toy design and renewed business success.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Standard representation for a British film of this era.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Includes incidental lessons on empathy and emotional maturity.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and compassion are central themes throughout the story.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly promotes healing, moving past grief, and family unity.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The main characters work hard to overcome their trauma and improve their situation.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Foster would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Foster, and what caused that change?
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