Eventually, though, James is able to demonstrate self-control and get the upper hand on his addiction. The film explains why addiction is considered a disease, but as much as the film might seem like a deterrent to doing drugs, characters' conversations about the appeal of the highs could make drug use appealing to teens. Other violent scenes include suicide and near-death experiences, angry destruction, painful/bloody medical procedures, punching, and more. Also naked is John ( Giovanni Ribisi), a gay character who plays out the worst of homophobic stereotypes, including sexually preying on another man in the shower. He's also filmed completely nude (all sides, all angles - it's an eyeful) and relieves his bowels while viewers are forced to watch. James ( Aaron Taylor-Johnson) smokes crack and chugs liquor, chain smokes, and dances in excrement. The content is mature and disturbing, showing viewers the horrifying life of a drug addict and the difficulty of getting clean. Parents need to know that A Million Little Pieces is based on James Frey's controversial 2003 novel about his time in a drug rehabilitation facility. Overall the 'getting sober' part seems pretty awful, but when characters talk about doing drugs, they talk about how much they love it, muddling the message.ĭid you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. Characters in rehab facility smoke frequently. Character is an alcoholic, is seen at one point drinking hard and demonstrably longing to drink. Party scene with people drinking and smoking.

Lots of substance use, portrayed in negative light.

A million little pieces by james frey