The Many Saints of Newark

Parents need to know that crime drama The Many Saints of Newark is a very mature prequel to the landmark TV series The Sopranos. It tracks the teenage Tony Soprano (Michael Gandolfini) as he makes his way toward adulthood amid the violence and despair of the gang war in which his family is embroiled. While the character of Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) is explained, viewers who aren't well-versed in the backstories of the rest of the characters from the long-running series may be very lost. Expect lots of blood-soaked violence, particularly deadly shootings and beatings, as well as domestic abuse and graphic scenes of torture. Racial tensions between the Italian American and Black communities during the 1960s and '70s in Newark, New Jersey, serve as a backdrop for the movie's events; characters engage in racially motivated conflict and express racist attitudes. Several scenes of lusty sex include extended footage of a topless woman. While one woman character defies mainstream gender expectations of the era, others are treated dismissively and even abusively. Just like the series, expect plenty of strong language ("f--k," "c--t," the "N" word, and much more), as well as drinking and near-constant consequence-free smoking.