Story
The Vow is based on the true story of Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum). Their happily married life is thrown into chaos when they’re involved in a car accident, which leaves Paige in a coma. When she wakes up, she has no memory of Leo or how they met. Instead her memory stops at the point in her life where she ran away from her wealthy, privileged background and a seemingly happy family.Paige can’t understand why she left that life to live as a struggling artist with Leo, a record producer. She decides to return home to her parents and finish the law degree she gave up. She starts seeing her ex-fiancé, Jeremy (Scott Speedman), a successful businessman. Leo has seemingly lost the love of his life and must try to win her back.
Themes
Adultery; estranged families; memory loss
Violence
This movie has some violence. For example, there are verbal arguments between the characters. Also, Leo punches Jeremy in one scene.
Sexual references
This movie has some sexual references. For example:
- Leo buys Paige some sexy underwear for a gift.
- Paige’s father had an affair with her girlfriend. This is the reason Paige left home in the first place.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
This movie shows some use of substances, including social drinking in several places.
Nudity and sexual activity
This movie shows some nudity and sexual activity. For example:
- One scene shows Leo naked from the back.
- Leo and Paige kiss passionately and make love, but not much is shown. The scene shows them lying naked in bed afterwards, with sheets covering most of their bodies.
- Paige and Leo go for a swim in their underwear.
Product placement
The movie shows many branded products, but none is of real concern.
Coarse language
This movie has some coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
The Vow is a very emotional romantic drama about love and loss. The sexual content is presented in the context of a loving, committed relationship. But because of its themes, this movie is better suited to teenagers and adults. The scenes of the car accident and the injuries that result from it might also be scary for younger children.
The main messages from this movie are that love needs patience and understanding and that sometimes we need to let someone go.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include patience, love, kindness and support.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about the importance of relationships and about your own values in relation to marriage.