Bad Education (2019)
Story overview
Based on true events, this drama follows Frank Tassone, a charismatic superintendent of a wealthy New York school district, who appears dedicated to improving education but is secretly involved in a multi-million dollar embezzlement scheme. When a student journalist begins investigating financial discrepancies, the elaborate fraud threatens to unravel, exposing corruption, betrayal, and the consequences of ambition gone wrong.
Parent Guide
A sophisticated drama about white-collar crime and corruption in education, featuring complex moral dilemmas and adult themes. While not graphically violent, it contains mature content including strong language, discussions of infidelity, and tense emotional situations.
Content breakdown
No physical violence. Tense confrontations and verbal arguments. Psychological peril as characters face exposure and consequences of their actions. One scene shows a character having a mild anxiety attack.
Disturbing themes of betrayal, corruption, and the unraveling of lives. Scenes of characters being confronted with their lies. The psychological manipulation and gaslighting may be unsettling. No horror elements or jump scares.
Multiple uses of strong profanity including f-words, s-words, and other adult language. Some sexual references in dialogue. Language is consistent with the tense, adult situations depicted.
Discussions of infidelity and extramarital affairs. Some kissing scenes. References to sexual relationships. Brief scene of a character in underwear. No explicit nudity or sexual acts shown.
Social drinking in several scenes (wine, cocktails). Characters shown drinking at restaurants and parties. No drunkenness or substance abuse depicted.
High emotional intensity throughout as characters face exposure, betrayal, and consequences. Themes of guilt, shame, and ruined reputations. Tense confrontations and emotional breakdowns. The psychological drama is the film's primary focus.
Parent tips
This film deals with mature themes of white-collar crime, corruption, and ethical dilemmas. It contains strong language, discussions of infidelity, and tense confrontations. Best suited for mature teens who can understand complex moral issues. Parents may want to discuss the real-life implications of fraud and the importance of integrity in positions of trust.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
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- What does 'embezzlement' mean?
- Why was the student journalist important in the story?
- What makes someone a good leader?
- How did Frank justify his actions to himself?
- What systemic factors allowed the fraud to continue for so long?
- How does the film portray the tension between public image and private reality?
- What ethical responsibilities do journalists have when uncovering sensitive information?
- How might this story be different if told from a student's perspective?
Where to watch
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Trailer
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