I am usually quite careful about which movies my daughter (currently 7) gets to see, and I usually use this site as my primary source of guidance. We saw this dvd title at Blockbuster and rented it without doing the research because my daughter enjoyed the other G rated "Lassie" film. BIG MISTAKE! My daughter loves animals, especially dogs, but I would not say she is overly sensitive. She has seen other movies with some danger and peril to animals, and came through fine, without any tears or looking away. (In fact, there have been movies where her friends have walked out, claiming to be too scared, where she was perfectly fine.) THIS film was a different story, however. Parents need to know that one adorable little dog, a playful, sweet, friend to Lassie, is beaten to death with a club by some thugs who steal money from and attack its owner (a kind but helpless dwarf). It is a horrendous scene, and seemingly so unnecessary to the storytelling. It does not even move the plot forward and seems quite gratuitous. And then Lassie has to travel a tremendous distance, from Scotland to England, and when she arrives back home, she is near death. This was all very intense and nightmare-inducing for my daughter and I regret that she saw it. It is a decent movie over all -- good, but not great. The cinematography is probably the best part. But please be warned. You may want to wait until your child is older or skip it altogether. There are much better family films out there with animals (such as Homeward Bound, or Garfield, just to name a couple).
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Lassie
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Schmaltzy return for classic cinema canine.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Language:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Lassie
Parents need to know that this movie is a tear-jerker and contains some intense scenes involving poverty and peril. In one scene, Joe is forced to tell Lassie that he doesn't love or want her anymore (a potential weepy moment for the youngest set). Also, Lassie gets whipped, and in another scene, a brave little dog dies at a human's hands. There's also slapstick farce at the expense of some dog wardens. In school, Joe suffers humiliation and physical abuse from a teacher. A dwarf puppeteer is beat up by two big guys using clubs. They make snide remarks about his size and try to rob him.
Read our full review by Jane Boursaw
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the movie's messages about loyalty, honesty, perseverance, poverty, and respecting animals. What does it mean to be poor? Why are there some places in the world where kids have nothing? How would you feel about having to sell your pet to make ends meet? Why do some people abuse animals? Why is it important to respect other living creatures?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
Be warned!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
i cried....
this movie was the best movie ive seen all year it was so cool though that Lassie traveled so far did so much just to see the boy again but its also very sad.... because when lassie dose get back she is almost dead................
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Animal Peril is Poignant
The main review correctly says Lassie is lashed and another dog is beaten to death. The blows landing are not shown but every thing else is. These are very emotional scenes. Our 11 year old, who loves animals, just made it through OK. A younger sensitive child might not. If your child is mature enough the movie is worth it. Be aware that is a slow moving film with deep messages; it will not hold the attention of a young or hyper child.
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