Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 10+
Poignant story about tolerance and friendship.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that there is some mild swearing ("hell," "damn," "ass") and a few minor sexual references (Elizabeth's brother comments on her undeveloped chest and the town's mayor has an affair with a prominent woman). Hira Mata smokes a pipe and Elizabeth's brother Stuart and his friends drink alcohol (Stuart is promptly punished). Stuart constantly displays bad behavior, from smashing a window and making disparaging remarks about the Maoris to attempting to burn down a house, but the movie makes it clear that his actions are not acceptable. The movie very directly attacks racist attitudes and promotes embracing and celebrating other cultures. Elizabeth is a positive, strong role model.
- Families can talk about and look into the history of New Zealand -- many kids will not understand why the New Zealanders are so excited to have the Queen of England visit or the tense relationship between the Maoris and the European-descended New Zealanders. They could discuss the assumptions Elizabeth and Hira initially have about each other and how they got past these stereotypes. What did Elizabeth and Hira learn from each other? How does Elizabeth's new worldview make her a better person?
The good stuff
-
Positive messages: Elizabeth's brother behaves badly (he vandalizes a garden, throws a rock at a window, lies, torments his sister, makes racist comments, and tries to burn down a house), but the movie makes it clear that his actions are not acceptable. Tolerance and appreciation of other cultures is a theme of the movie.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Elizabeth points a gun in order to stop her brother from burning down a house.
-
Sex: The mayor has an affair; a brother calls his sister "flat-chested". Elizabeth has an innocent crush on her drill team leader.
-
Language: Some mild language, including "damn" and "hell".
-
Consumerism: Not an issue
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Hira smokes a pipe; some teenage boys drink alcohol.