Whenever a new animated movie comes out, especially one as highly anticipated as BRAVE, from Disney/Pixar, many conscientious parents stop to consider whether the movie will be "OK" for their kids. For many, the simple fact that a film is animated is enough to deem it suitable for all kids, but hey South Park is animated and that's definitely not for the little ones.
The real answer to the question of whether it will be too scary is "It depends". It depends on your kid - both their sensitivity and what they are used to watching. According to producer Katherine Sarafian there is no specific age they would recommend, but it is a PG movie and they are "advertising it as PG for a reason" because of the scary action and every parent will have to make that decision. Her own 3-year-old won't see it right now, but will see it when he is ready. (You might not want to follow the lead of Director Mark Andrews who lets his 5-year old see movies like Ghost Rider!)
I personally loved the movie, as did my sister and mother, but we all know that it is too scary for my 4-year-old nephew. When I saw a screening the first time, a fellow blogger in attendance brought along her 6 1/2 year old daughter. Her mom described her as a "tough broad" who said she thought it was scary but could handle it, but was concerned about her friends and thought they WOULD be scared. However, I have seen some bloggers write reviews mentioning that they have brought their 3 and 4-year-old children and although they were scared, they were OK.
If you are wondering WHAT the scary parts are, they mostly involve fighting with bears. (
SPOILER ALERT: (Do not read this next line if you don't want to know a big plot point I'm about to give away:
Merida's mother turns into a bear. Her father doesn't know that and is trying to kill her.) Another part that I know would be too intense for my 4-year-old nephew are the comedic fighting scenes between the various clans at the beginning of the movie. It is rather 3-Stooges-ish slapstick fighting, but that type of conflict bothers him quite a bit.
All-in-all you will have to make the decision as to whether your kids can handle it. We have found that the easiest way to do that is to have you, a family member or close friend see the movie first so that you can make a personal and informed decision. (Even if your kids don't see the movie, you will definitely want to see it yourself!)
It is a beautiful movie and kids will have fun with all the silly and hilarious parts. They also can take away valuable lessons that can be made even more meaningful with discussions after the film.
What are your thoughts? Are you planning to take your kids? If you have already taken them, what did they and they think?
Disclosure: Disney-Pixar sponsored my travel, accommodations and
activities during the #BraveCarsLandEvent. Any opinions
expressed are my own.
