Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this musical history lesson, while rated G, still brings up slavery and shows the founding fathers as inspirational but still flawed individuals.
Families can discuss what they learned about our nation's history and the extraordinary people who shaped it. What characteristics do they find admirable? Older kids and parents can discuss slavery and how it shaped American history, eventually bitterly dividing the country.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Nell Minow
At least once a year, every American should watch this musical about the signing of the Declaration of Independence -- how about on July 4? The characters and the issues are vividly and frankly portrayed, and we see the founding fathers' faults as well as their virtues. The courage, the strategy, the dream of freedom, and even the tragic compromise on slavery are all there. If we didn't know how it all turned out, the suspense would be unbearable.
The restored director's cut on DVD features digitally mastered audio and video, along with a widescreen presentation that preserves the theatrical aspect ratio. It also includes more than 20 minutes of footage originally cut from the film's 1972 theatrical release, including the musical number "Cool, Cool Considerate Men." The DVD also offers screen tests for the leading roles, production notes (including a keepsake booklet) and audio commentary by director Peter H. Hunt and screenwriter Peter Stone.
Kids who enjoy this movie will also enjoy the book Johnny Tremain (ages 11+). Younger kids will enjoy colonial America through Fievel the mouse's point of view in An American Tail.
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LanguageSome strong language. |
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Social BehaviorFounding fathers and colonists show courage and determination. |
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