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  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Affecting update of the coming-of-age classic.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The movie presents a family challenged by poverty and racism that nonetheless is bound together by love, resolute in their will to survive, and full of faith. The boy's determination to get an education is inspiring, particularly considering the obstacles in his path.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Young boy is threatened by racist guards multiple times. A bull and a dog are both victims of human violence, but it takes place off-screen.

  • Sex:

    Married couple kisses, are shown lying in bed together.

  • Language:

    True to the time and place in which is set, epitaphs that are unacceptable in modern language are used to underscore the racism of the community.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Sounder

Parents need to know that this is not a dog movie, but rather a poignant tale of an African American family set in the Depression-era South. Sometimes violent acts of racism are portrayed, and a father steals food to feed his family and ends up in jail. Both the dog of the title and another animal are hurt by humans. Themes of faith and belief in times of trouble underscore a religious sensibility in the film.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the boy's wish to learn to read. Why was it so important to him? Why would his parents have been opposed? Why do you think it was possible for the boy's father to go to jail and then virtually disappear into the prison system? Do you think that could happen today?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    reviewgirl13
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    So sad and moving

    Wow, this is such a good movie! It's very sad and the end isn't the usual "then everyone lived happily ever after!" This has such a sad ending that could make anyone cry. Even if you're not crazy about animals, this movie is sure to make you very sad. It is a bit violent, and younger viewers may find it hard to watch, but it's very good and worth seeing. Parents, make sure you know your child is ready for a movie like this, because it is very sad and sometimes it's hard to watch.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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