20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (G, 1954)
common sense media says
A classic action-adventure for older kids.
parents & educators say
- 33% say violence is an issue
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that some old stereotypes come through in scenes where island natives are portrayed as primitive and brutal. There are no female characters with speaking roles in this film, either. Lots of punching among sailors, and some perilous scenes with a giant squid might frighten younger viewers.
Positive role models:
Main characters use violence to solve problems. Both Nemo and the professor use their ingenuity to better technology.
Violence:
Fisticuffs are pretty common among these sailors. Some fighting gets pretty extreme, though there is no blood. Cannon fire and ship collisions sinks ships. "Cannibals" are electrocuted and ridiculed while they dance in agony.
Sex:
As we see in the first scene, when two dolled up gals are hanging on his arms, Mr. Land is good with the ladies. He sings songs about women whom he wants to kiss. He talks about "native" women on an island who are longing for his touch.
Language:
"Hell" is as strong as it gets.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Men smoke cigars in many scenes. Mr. Land says that in a case of bad luck, there is "nothing to do...but get drunk." This he does, with the resident seal as his drinking buddy. He then is very moody and throws a glass against the wall.
More on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
Tsion
parent of 15 year old
parent of 15 year old
A Magnificent Family Journey...
20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA by Jules Verne is a crowning achievement of imagination. It is a magnificent novel, and a chore to adapt into any movie. However, this 1954 Disney film nails it in every way. This movie is a journey of wonder and amazement, filled with beauties and dangers the silver screen had never seen and will likely never see again. The film is rated G, but that was in the 70s. Know that, if it were rated now, it would be rated PG for violence and thematic elements. Not to say that the film is particularly violent or graphic, but there are several scenes (battle with a giant squid) that are very frightening. A man is shot in the back, and characters are in peril most of the movie. There are tense discussions of revenge and violent acts, and one man speaks of how his wife and children were tortured to death. However, most of this stuff (except for the squid, maybe) will fly over young kids' heads. They will be more interested in the imaginative creatures and spectacular visuals. 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA is nothing short of a masterpeice, a true whale of a tale, and a journey to take over and over again.
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Plague
parent
parent
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
A Grade-A classic for the whole family.
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tommysportsgirl
adult
adult
Nice adventure film!
Pretty clean Disney romp!
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who3697cares
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
Likeable
It didn't turn out perfectly, of course. (Why'd they make Kirk Douglass sing?) It's relatively fun, though.
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