Story
Justin Bieber’s Believe is a concert movie about the 19-year-old musician’s rise to international fame and popularity as he embarks on his latest Believe tour.
The movie has a lot of footage, including live performances on stage and commercial and personal interviews with Justin Bieber and other important figures in his life. These include his mother Pattie Mallette, musical mentor Usher, manager Scott Braun and many others. There are also clips of Justin writing and producing his music, as well as video blog communication between Justin and his fans.
Justin uses this movie to present his views on growing up in the spotlight, music, career, relationships, his personal values and life in general.
Themes
Violence
Content that may disturb children
Under 5
There is nothing of concern in Justin Bieber’s Believe for children under five years, but the movie might lack interest for this age group.
From 5-8
Nothing of concern
From 8-13
Children in this age group might be upset by the story of one of Justin’s young fans, who is dying of brain cancer. Justin develops a very close bond with this girl, spending time with her and involving her in one of his shows. She eventually dies, and Justin is moved to tears as he talks about the situation in an interview.
Over 13
Children of this age are unlikely to be disturbed by anything in this movie.
Sexual references
None of concern
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
None of concern
Nudity and sexual activity
None of concern
Product placement
Justin Bieber himself is the main product in Believe, but the movie also features iPhones and Fiji water.
Coarse language
Justin Bieber’s Believe includes footage of several reporters verbally abusing Justin as he walks past them. Their language is bleeped out and no coarse language is actually heard, but Justin talks about the incident.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Justin Bieber’s Believe is a documentary following a young star trying to grow up with some normality under extraordinary circumstances. The documentary format, featuring several interviews, might lack interest for children under six years.
Justin talks about the dangers of the music industry, the extremely high expectations he sets for himself and the risk of failure whenever he makes a decision about his life or career. He says that the choices he makes are ultimately for his fans because of their part in his success.
Throughout the movie, Justin emphasises the importance of trying your hardest, striving for greatness and overcoming obstacles with determination, willpower and the support of others.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include:
- always trying your hardest to achieve the things you want in life and not letting others deter you
- feeling a responsibility to produce work that people can relate to, that tells an honest story and that can have a positive impact on people’s lives
- not underestimating the impact of the people who helped you make your life what it is.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about the problematic nature of stardom, where privacy is lost and people lose the ability to live normal lives. How has this affected Justin Bieber in light of his recent problems reported in the media?