This was a huge hit with my 4 year old daughter. She's seen it dozens of times by now, though rarely all the way through because it's long. Parts of it took some explaining, of course, but most of the characters are readily understandable and the songs are instantly accessible and addictive. I'm not sure there's a better way for a child to first encounter the huge topic of the Nazis: they're introduced well into the film as obviously bad but in a very nondescript way, they're ominous but not explicitly violent.
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The Sound of Music
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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 4, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Outstanding family film features glorious music.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6 and Up
The good stuff
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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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Sound of Music
Parents need to know that this is an outstanding family film, filled with glorious music ("Do-Re-Mi," "My Favorite Things," "Edelweiss, "So Long, Farewell"), a real-life love story right out of Jane Eyre, a courageous moral choice, and a heart-stopping escape. Some kids may want to know more about the Nazis and why the Captain makes the choice to escape with his family. Younger ones won't notice that the film takes place at a turbulent time in history.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the movie's theme and plot points. Why does Maria have a problem fitting in at the abbey? What does the Captain learn from Maria? What is the difference between the way the Captain, Max, and Rolfe react to the Nazis? What does the song, "Climb Every Mountain" mean? The people who wrote the song about "My Favorite Things" also wrote "Whistle a Happy Tune" in The King and I. How are the two songs alike (think about when Maria sings the song)? If you were going to write the song, what would be on your list of favorite things?
Our Members Say
See all 27 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
Excellent for a musically inclined, thoughtful child
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A Fantastic Movie!
Hi, I'm ten years old and I think this film is a great! Based on a true story Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer make the story come alive as a musical! At the end there is a part younger children may not like {when they hide from the Nazis guard but they do get away} in all a movie to see over and over again.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
The Hills Are Alive!!
I love this movie. There is absoloutley NOTHING bad about this movie. I mean, it's a musical romance with lots of family and friend love. If you haven't seen this, you should go on Amazon or Blockbuster right now, and order it. My favorite song is My Favorite Things. I love this! This is my absolute favorite movie since I was young.
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Amazing movie, totally a classic!
Amazing movie that has been a part of my life since I was about four years old! Great messages and music!
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
Best musical ever!
I love musicals and Julie Andrews! She done a good job in Princess Diaries and Mary Poppins and more!
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
My almost 4 year old daughter loves this movie because of all the children and the nanny. She has asked questions about why the family leaves home and I skipped the scenes where they are hiding but otherwise it is a winner at our house.
- Lives in California
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Touching Movie
This was a moving film and made me want to be part of it!
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
I watched this movie with my 3yo and 5yo. It is an extremely LONG movie and neither made it through-which means they didn't see the scary part! The 3yo couldn't really attend to the movie and was bouncing around the living room the whole time. My 5 yo got the story line. But...they are both singing the songs constantly now-listening to the sound track before bed, etc...Its really wonderful!
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Bad!
THis had so much languge and sex in it i could beleive it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Great for kids my age.
No violence,swearing,or anything like that. I love the story and I wish they would have came out with a second one,because the ending is that they go over a mountain. I would like to know what happens after that. Great movie!
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
A Spectacular and Glorious Film for all Ages!
THE SOUND OF MUSIC is one of my top three favorite movies. It features the wonderful and ever-amazing Julie Andrews and brilliant Christopher Plummer as the two main characters, accompanied by a cast of very talented kids. It tells the story of Maria (Andrews), a young woman who is looking to become a nun. The Mother Superior (the always "superior" Peggy Wood) volunteers her to nanny Captain VonTrapp (Plummer)'s 7 children. While she's there, Maria learns of life and falls in love, and all the while their beloved Austria is falling to the Nazis. No sex, drugs, or language. There's no real violence either, but one tense scene towards the end where the family is threatened by the Nazis. The film tells about love and life while teaching selflessness and caring. The top of the story is glazed with glorious music and cute kids. Highly recommended.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
What a great family film! Still enjoyable today!!
I was surprised to find my 4-year-old loved this movie, too! She did leave the room as it ran on & on (it is a very LONG film), but we'd pause as it came to the scenes I thought she'd enjoy (the scenes with the children singing), and she's wanted to see it again and again. If anyone in your family loves to sing (skill not required), let me recommend looking for the two-disc DVD release with the sing-a-long. It's great to be able to just pick and choose favorite songs and sing along with the scene (words appear at the bottom of the screen).
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
This is one of my favorite things!
"Julie Andrews, singing and dancing, and great plot with no bad content... these are a few of my favorite things!" One of the best movies ever. Granted, it is a bit long; little children might not be able to sit still. It is AMAZING! The music ROCKS! Watch it!!!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Fun for Any Age!
The Sound of Music tells the story of Maria VonTrapp and her family, inspired by the musical, which was inspired by a the real VonTrapps. This movie contains plenty of crushes and romances, but nothing even remotely sexual. There is a tense scene at the end, but it never gets violent. There's not a single bad word in it, (unless you call Golly a bad word), and only one character smokes very briefly. The Sound of Music offers what you can't get a lot of these days: fun for the whole family, adults and kids. The Sound of Music will make you cry, laugh, and want to sing along. This is a perfect movie for everyone!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
How could anyone hate it?! Beautiful!
First of all, the lady that the Captain is supposed to marry has the greatest wardrobe....I wish I had those dresses! This is an absolute classic and I shake my head in pity of anyone who does not like it and categorizes it as "boring". It has wonderful performances by all of the actors and the music is beautiful. I love "Climb Ev'ry Mountain", that scene makes me cry. Excellent movie for any age.
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