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And the Children Shall Lead

(1988, Rated NR, Drama, Starring Danny Glover, LeVar Burton, Denise Nicholas)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    A sensitive, powerful drama on race issues.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The "n-word" is used once, though the movie does not advocate its use. A number of scenes depict discrimination and oppression, the film's main themes. Depicting small-town race relations in 1964 Mississippi, this film effectively captures both the established bonds and barriers between blacks and whites of all ages.

  • Violence:

    Offscreen, a father gives his daughters a switching with a willow branch. Two white twins beat up a black boy their own age.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About And the Children Shall Lead

Parents need to know that this movie provides a great way to open discussion with children about racial issues, even children as young as 5. This film is both ideal for older kids and direct enough to hold teens' attention and important enough to be good family viewing.

Read our full review by S. K. List

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what they do if faced with the same situation confronted by the kids in the movie. How is their school and are their friendships different today than they were in the 1960s? How arethings still unfair? What examples can you think of that you see today that show race still affects how people are treated?
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