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The Secret of NIMH
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Fascinating. But sensitive animal-lovers beware.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness :
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Sexy stuff :
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Secret of NIMH
Parents need to know that this movie is based on Robert C. O'Brien's prize-winning book, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of N.I.M.H. about a group of intelligent rats who escape from an animal laboratory. It's suspenseful and somewhat dark, including themes of animal cruelty and animal experimentation. The worst part for sensitive viewers: a flashback shows the animated animals being tortured.
Read our full review by Michael Scheinfeld
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about animals in laboratories. Why are they there? How does your family feel about animal testing? Would you like to make a family pet super smart? Do you think they'd go to school with you? What can animals teach us already, without the extra brainpower?
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Our Members Say
See all 12 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in FloridaI rate this title on for age 2 and give itMy concerns are:- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- Lives in PennsylvaniaI rate this title on for age 9 and give it
This isn't the type of animated movie that has a dark side covered with overdone cuteness like Disney was making at the time. This is quite open about its darkness.
- Lives in MarylandI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Great Entertainment For Everyone!
I have to say, this is the greatest animated fantasy ever made. There were some violent parts though, and some blood, but it had a pleasent ending. The animation is fabulous, and so are the special effects, music, and voice talents. This is a film that young and old people will enjoy. It was a faithfull adoption to Robert C. O'Brian's novel.
- Lives inI rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
Okay, can we get some sense of imagination here, people?
In the world of today, kids kinda need to be scared, and I think they like it more than they let on. With all the lies told by parents nowadays, kids need to be exposed to this kinda thing. This is one of the best movie adaptations ever! Perhaps it is too frightening for younger children. I guess maybe it would be a good idea to wait a while. Still, this is Don Bluth's best film and deserves a lot more respect.
- Lives in CaliforniaI rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Too Scary for 8 year olds
It's amazing how these ratings can go awry. This movie may have a G rating but it should have a PG-13. There are scary occultic sequences with witchlike characters, a very scary owl and mature situations wholly inappropriate for 8 year olds. It is too dark, ominous and frightening for kids.
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