The Adventures of Ociee Nash

Review

Common Sense Media says

Tale of 19th-century girl power will inspire modern kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Ociee's mother has died. There's a scene where an arsonist sets a house on fire, though its inhabitants survive.  There's a slight religious context as Ociee's mother is said to be in heaven, folks attend church on Sunday, and Ociee prays to God to look over her family; these facts fit seamlessly into the context of 19th-century Southern culture.

  • Educational value2
    This movie provides an interesting -- and believable-- glimpse into 19th century life. Ociee's father is a farmer, which requires that all of the children help run the farm. But since she is a girl, Ociee needs to learn the "womanly arts" of sewing, cooking, keeping house -- very necessary skills in the days before online shopping and take-out dinners. Though she resists this idea, Ociee is able to learn to be a "proper girl," while maintaining her tomboy bravery.
  • Positive messages4
    Ociee has survived a loss, but she is both strong and unafraid. She travels by herself on a train, meeting interesting people along the way. She is awarded a medal of bravery for saving someone's life.
  • Positive role models4
    Ociee is a great role model, especially because her push to be herself comes from within, rather than as a reaction to her surroundings. She is a strong female character with an indomitable soul.
  • Violence & scariness2
    Ociee has lost her mother, which brings tears to many peoples' eyes. When she is in Asheville, Ociee and her friend Elizabeth fight and roll in the grass, tearing their clothes. They become friends soon after. There is a man who sets a house on fire after threatening a neighborhood family. No one is hurt, though there's a moment where a family member is trapped in the house.
  • Sexy stuff1
    Aunt Mamie and Ben exchange a kiss at the end of the movie.
  • Language0
    "Durn."
  • Consumerism0
    Ociee remarks that her Aunt "sure has a lot of things" in her house. Some of these things are family heirlooms like hand mirrors and china. Aunt Mamie makes pretty dresses for clients.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
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What's the story?

It's Mississippi in 1898, and a girl named Ociee Nash (Skyler Day) has lost her mother to measles. Her father (Keith Carradine) clumsily tells her that he has plans to send her to Asheville, North Carolina to live with his sister, Aunt Mamie. In the days of trains and horse-drawn buggies, Asheville is a long way away. Much to her chagrin, Ociee is put on a train, where she meets interesting -- and important -- people from all across the country. Once she arrives in Asheville, her Aunt Mamie (Mare Winningham) has a devil of a time taking the country out of this tomboy. But even as Ociee slowly gains some grace and courtesy, she still maintains her courage, which is called upon in a very challenging situation.

Is it any good?

 

Based on the book A Flower Blooms on Charolotte Street by Milam McGraw Propst, this movie succeeds in giving a glimpse of Southern life over 100 years ago when girls were meant to wear dresses, serve a proper tea, sew clothing, and keep a house. But the heroine of this movie does not fit into the mold: she wears "dungarees" and climbs trees. She's a unique individual who touches everyone around her with her fresh observations.

Though the acting is a little stiff as the movie begins, the characters
settle into a believable and enjoyable rhythm. The clip-clop of horse's hooves
and the tea taken on the porch are a refreshing change from the high-tech
backdrop of many contemporary kids' movies. This is a highly recommended family
choice for parents of girls who possess a little moxie!

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about why Ociee is sent to her aunt's home. Why is it deemed necessary that she learn to be a proper young lady? How would this be handled today?

  • Ociee is nine years old. How does her life differ from 9-year olds in the 21st century? Take a peek at what kids her age are up to now.

  • Aunt Mamie does not believe Ociee when she tells her about the people she has met on the train ride. Is there an instance when you have told the truth but nobody believed you?

This review was written by Joly Herman
Adult
June 10, 2011
AGE
5
 
Lovely family film
This is a sweet movie that highlights friendship and love. I especially love the fact that the fearsome stranger, a gypsy, turns into a warm friend by the end! Ociee is sent away from her father and brother, to be brought up by her aunt, and that opened up a conversation in our family about changing gender roles. There is a fire, which we are let to understand to have been intentionally set, and I was glad to have been able to warn my 5 year-old about it beforehand, so she was prepared for it. It was not scary in a way that might induce nightmares, though. Ever since we first watched it, my kids have asked to see this time and time again.
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Kid, 10 years old
August 20, 2010
AGE
8
 
I LOVE ODDIE NASH AT MY SCHOOL WE HAD MOVIE NIGHT AND WE WATCHED IT THERE I NOTHING RONG WITH IT!! it tells you what to do be nice and other things
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Adult
September 14, 2010
AGE
8
 
Adorable movie with a good role model in Ociee Nash. The book is also wonderful so if you haven't read it, it's deffinately worth the time!
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This review was written by Joly Herman
Topics:book characters, great girl role models, history
Studio:Twentieth Century Fox
Director:Kristen McGary
Cast:Keith Carradine, Mare Winningham, Skyler Day
Genre:Family and Kids
Run time:87 minutes
Theatrical release date:February 13, 2004
DVD release date:August 23, 2005
MPAA rating:G
This review was written by Joly Herman
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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