Dickens & Rumi
Cover of After Earth

film

After Earth

2013

One thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity's escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind's new home. Legendary General Cypher Raige returns from an extended tour of duty to his estranged family, ready to be a father to his 13-year-old son, Kitai. When an asteroid storm damages Cypher and Kitai's craft, they crash-land on a now unfamiliar and dangerous Earth. As his father lies dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. His whole life, Kitai has wanted nothing more than to be a soldier like his father. Today, he gets his chance.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? The film contains sustained tension, intense action sequences, and sequences depicting animal attacks and creature violence, which are consistent with the PG-13 rating and generally appropriate for early teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The back-story includes the traumatic death of the sister; the film also depicts the death of an eagle and other creatures.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Injuries are shown, including broken legs, chemical bites, and brief creature-related wounds, but it is not excessively graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language appears limited to occasional mild profanity or insults, with no indication of frequent strong language or slurs.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Tense sequences involving survival in a dangerous environment and being hunted by a blind creature that senses fear.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Character self-medicates for bites, but there is no substance abuse.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Features intense action, including attacks by evolved wildlife, alien predators, and a cutlass used for self-defense.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The core theme is conquering fear to perform acts of great bravery.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Features interesting world-building and futuristic technology concepts.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The main cast features Black actors in a sci-fi setting, though character development is somewhat limited.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on survival and emotional regulation.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

An animal character sacrifices itself for the protagonist, showing empathy.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Themes of overcoming fear, the importance of family, and taking personal responsibility.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates growth, courage, and perseverance, though he initially struggles with discipline.

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 After Earth would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in After Earth, 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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