Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 9+
Tween-targeted fantasy adaptation is no Harry Potter.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this family-friendly fantasy is based on author Cornelia Funke's best-selling young adult novel. As in the book, there's a dark tone to the story, and the threat of violence seems real (especially the death threats). The "inked" villains may disturb younger kids, although some of the fantastical elements are funny. Henchmen hold people hostage, threaten to kill people, and burn property, and characters are in serious danger through most of the film. There's mild flirting between two younger characters and a quick kiss and embrace between married couples.
- Families can talk about whether scary characters and events based in fantasy are less frightening than those based in real life. Why or why not?
- What does this story have in common with other movies based on popular
young adult books? How is it different?
- If you've read the original
book, how does the movie compare? Is this a faithful adaptation?
- Why do
you think filmmakers sometimes change things from books? Families can
also discuss secrets.
- What's the difference between secrets and lies?
Are lies used for good reasons OK?
The good stuff
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Positive messages: Teamwork and family bonds strengthen this magical story.
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Positive role models: A young girl is the heroine of the story, and she risks her life to
save her parents. A usually selfish character is willing to act
courageously to return to his family. A greedy villain gets his due.
One comic-relief character (a thief from Arabian Nights) has a very exaggerated accent.
What to watch for
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Violence: The henchmen are brutal: They kidnap and take several characters hostage at knife point, and they burn an entire rare library's worth of books. Several characters are told they'll be killed. A villain commands an even scarier villain to "feast" on innocent characters. Characters fight and are obliterated. Some animals from books -- a Minotaur, flying monkeys, dragons, etc. -- might scare younger kids.
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Sex: Two young characters flirt; married couples embrace and kiss (briefly).
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Language: Mild -- "damn," "for God's sake."
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Consumerism: None, unless you count references to fictional literary characters.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue