A Journal For Jordan

Parents need to know that A Journal for Jordan is director Denzel Washington's adaptation of former New York Times editor Dana Canedy's (Chanté Adams) memoir. It tells the story of her late partner, U.S. Army Sgt. Charles King (Michael B. Jordan), who, while deployed post-9/11, wrote in a special journal for their unborn and then-baby son, Jordan. Expect depictions of military violence -- an explosion kills Charles and severely injures others in his unit -- as well as footage from 9/11 of the planes hitting the Twin Towers. There are also several scenes of Dana and Charles flirting, kissing, and eventually making love (his bare butt and both of their bare shoulders and sides are visible). While the film's director and leads are Black, Dana's life centers around White best friends, and the issue of colorism is explored: Light-skinned Jordan's Blackness is disputed (or ridiculed) by classmates. Occasional strong language includes "s--t," "bitch," "wigger," and more. Families can discuss the importance of communication, empathy, and perseverance, the enduring legacy of lost loved ones, and how letters and journals can keep a person's beliefs alive.