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Brother Bear

(2003, Rated G, Family and kids, Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Rick Moranis)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Lackluster story only for kindergarteners.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Human characters are Inuit. Some potty humor.
  • Violence & scariness :

    Characters killed. Characters in peril.
  • Sexy stuff :

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Brother Bear

Parents need to know that the movie has some tense scenes of peril, and two characters are killed. Some children may be disturbed by the way that those characters return as spirits, but some may be reassured that love never dies. There is a little potty humor. The movie's multicultural range of voices and setting in pre-historic Inuit culture add a lot to the movie's texture.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about which totems they would like to pick for themselves and what animals they would most like to get a chance to be. What did Kenai learn as a bear that he could not learn as a human? There is an old Native American saying that you should not judge another person until you have walked a mile in his moccasins. How does this movie make handle that idea? What do you think about his decision at the end of the movie? Talk about the movie's perspective on what you do to make amends when you have done something terrible, and about how siblings should support each other. Be sure that children notice how the look of the movie changes when Kenai becomes a bear. As Kenai sees through a bear's eyes, we see through his, the entire shape of the screen changing and the colors brightening. As Kenai also learns to listen, the sound of the movie becomes fuller as well.
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Our Members Say

Have You Seen It? Review It!

  • What did you think about Brother Bear?
  •  I think this movie is

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See all 17 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    UGG!

    Ok this movie has no sexual content but it has a horrible message. i really did not like it at all.

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0

    Good film for kids

    I saw this movie back when I was in 2nd grade. It's okay, but I wouldn't say it was the best. Kids may feel a little sad or even frightened when one person is killed and when Koda's mother is killed by a hunter. You may need to explain to your child what happened and why. I would give it more than two stars, because it does deserve more. I don't think only kindergartners would enjoy it. I enjoyed it myself when I was in 2nd grade! Kids will find it interesting, but then again, it depends on your child.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 3.0

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