Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Life in a Year

film

Life in a Year

2020

A 17 year old finds out that his girlfriend is dying, so he sets out to give her an entire life, in the last year she has left.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Romance5/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

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

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal or incidental product placement.

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

The central theme is terminal cancer and the eventual death of the main character's girlfriend.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Depicts a character unconscious and bleeding from the mouth due to illness.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild profanity and heated verbal confrontations are present, but language is not a major focus.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Features a character who is a drag queen and parental figure to the lead.

Romance5/5
Why this rating?

The primary focus is a deep, committed romantic relationship between the two main characters, including a wedding.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Cancer progression, a serious car crash, unconsciousness with bleeding, hospitalization, and a character’s death create sustained emotional distress.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

The couple marry and consummate their relationship; sexual activity is implied rather than described in detail.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Substance references or use appear brief and incidental rather than central, glamorized, or repeatedly shown.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a car crash, an attempted physical altercation between father and son, and minor aggressive dialogue.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The characters exhibit significant emotional courage in facing impending death.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Isabelle inspires Daryn’s music, helps him make demo recordings, and encourages him to rethink his ambitions and life priorities.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast including Black lead actors and a queer supporting figure.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers emotional lessons regarding empathy and dealing with loss.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness, selflessness, and support are central to the lead character's journey.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of cherishing time, pursuing one's passion, and the power of love over external expectations.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The lead shows great devotion, though he struggles with rebellious behavior against his father.

Family discussion

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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 Life in a Year would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Life in a Year, and what caused that change?
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