Not Approved

Concussion (2015)

In Pittsburgh, accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play.
7
Negative Rating
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SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
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Positive Rating
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FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

While conducting an autopsy on former NFL football player Mike Webster (David Morse), forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) discovers neurological deterioration that is similar to Alzheimer’s disease. Omalu names the disorder “chronic traumatic encephalopathy” (CTE) and publishes his findings in a medical journal. As other athletes face the same diagnosis, the crusading doctor embarks on a mission to raise public awareness about the dangers of football-related head trauma.

In a true story, Dr.Omalu became the enemy of the NFL for revealing studies that connected football concussions to severe brain damage. One player who suffered from CTE said, “All we have to do is finish the game. If we finish, we win!” This tale would have been quite simple, since the autopsies of four NFL players who died prematurely (some of suicide) were undeniably caused by concussions from playing football. The complication came when the NFL and Players Associations willingly tried to hide the facts to protect the multi-billion dollar game that dominates American sports at every age.

Dr. Omalu is a deeply spiritual person whose religious convictions prevented him from playing along with the powerful leagues, even under threat of imprisonment or deportation to his native Nigeria.

This moving story is already having a ripple effect within the NFL, and the publicity has called attention to the potential dangers of the sport at all age levels.

Unfortunately, due to several profanities and obscenities, we are unable to award “Concussion” the Dove “Family-Approved” Seal.

Dove Rating Details

0
Faith

None

0
Integrity

Several autopsies, off screen and without blood; football footage of head-to-head hits.

1
Sex

A romantic kiss.

4
Language

GD-2; Freakin'-1; F-1; H-1; D-1; BS-2; S-2; Ba*tard-1; A..hole-1

1
Violence

Several autopsies, off screen and without blood; football footage of head-to-head hits.

1
Drugs

Team doctor administers a drug to a former player.

0
Nudity

None

0
Other

Frequent religious references, including prayers of petition and thanksgiving to God.

More Information