Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Raise Your Voice

film

Raise Your Voice

2004

A coming-of-age story centered around a small-town singer brokenhearted by the death of her brother in a car crash, who had secretly submitted her for a summer session at a performing arts academy in Los Angeles. In the academy, she experiences a whole new way of life in the big city, far from the small town lifestyle she's used to.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? The film includes a significant death, grief, flashbacks to a fatal crash, family conflict, teen romance, and a teen character becoming drunk. Its PG presentation and hopeful themes make it generally suitable for older children with support. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick context

What parents should know

The film includes a significant death, grief, flashbacks to a fatal crash, family conflict, teen romance, and a teen character becoming drunk. Its PG presentation and hopeful themes make it generally suitable for older children with support. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ. Courage & resilience; strongest caution: death of a character.

Readiness snapshotAge guidance: 10+Main watch-out: Death of a character 4/5
Recommendation 3.8/5
Review depth16 scored categories16 evidence notes

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

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What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The film includes a music-school and concert setting plus a band cameo, but the supplied material does not suggest strong product promotion.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The death of the main character's brother is the central plot catalyst and a recurring source of grief throughout the film.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

The car accident happens off-screen or without graphic detail.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

The PG rating and supplied plot suggest, but do not document, occasional mild language rather than strong or frequent profanity.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A mutual teen attraction and romantic competition develop alongside the music-school story; kissing is brief.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Brief moments of tension involving the car crash and emotional distress.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

The supplied material indicates a kiss and no sexual activity or explicit sexual material.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

A drunk driver causes the brother’s death, and a teen character is found drunk and helped to sober up; the consequences are negative.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

A pivotal car accident causes a death. There is also a brief physical confrontation between a father and son.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Terri faces grief, guilt, family opposition, and fear while returning to music and performing publicly in memory of her brother.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Music, singing, songwriting, performance, and artistic ambition are central, with students collaborating on original work.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The performing arts school ensemble features some student diversity.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

The story offers incidental learning about music performance, songwriting, scholarships, and life at a performing-arts academy.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family members, friends, and teachers provide emotional support, reassurance, apologies, and practical help during grief and conflict.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It encourages pursuing dreams, coping with grief, communicating honestly, accepting responsibility, and supporting young people’s talents.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates determination, though characters make mistakes in communication and judgment.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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 Raise Your Voice would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Raise Your Voice, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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