 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Babe
- Review Date: June 24, 2003
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1995
Common Sense Media says
Heartwarming farm story is touching and a bit scary.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this live-action farm tale is widely considered one of the best family films of all time. However, unlike animated films, in which violence can be dismissed as make-believe, some of the violence on the farm may frighten younger viewers. One scene, in which wild dogs attack the sheep and kill one, is particularly intense and disturbing. The reality of why animals are bred is mentioned again and again (Christmas is equated to a blood bath, because of all the animals slaughtered to end up on a dinner table). But at its core, this is a tale of perseverance, friendship, and making your dreams come true.
What's the story?
"This is a tale," a narrator says, "of an unprejudiced heart," perfectly setting the tone for what may be the best-loved family movie of the 1990s. BABE, an endearing little pig who is raised by sheepdogs, befriends the animals on Hoggett's farm and ultimately becomes a herder himself, triumphing against some pretty steep odds.
Is it any good?
Babe is filled from beginning to end with marvelous images: the animals who can talk (to each other, not to humans) in subtle mouth movements and well-cast voices; the never-never land of Hoggett's farm, a realistic setting with just a touch of magic; and endless surprising details, like the trio of singing mice who introduce scenes but are otherwise relinquished to small corners of the screen, the more to delight sharp-eyed viewers on the lookout for them.
But Babe is not merely a treat for the eyes. The story of this spunky little pig, who seems to have no future but to eat and be eaten, will inspire every viewer. It's a tale about making a place for yourself in the world. While Babe occasionally seems unnecessarily harsh in letting the real world seep into its fairy tale story, children seem to take it in stride; even young kids tend to be only briefly saddened by moments like a dog's puppies being given away. The biggest worry a parent can have about showing Babe to kids is that they'll insist on asking for a pet pig.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what life on a farm might really be like. Which animals live on farms? Do you think they interact with each other the way the animals do here? What other movies have talking farm animals?
How would this movie be different if it were animated? Why do you think animation changes the way we experience a movie?
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AGE
Charming!
This was such an adorable movie! Babe is so cute, although I must say, the word butt heads was used, and there was a little highlight of violence. I give it a four star review.
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AGE
Great film but think carefully about what you'll serve kids to eat afterwards
This is a great film, very sweet and heartwarming, but the realities of farm life may be strong for young viewers.
My 5yo was aware that some farm animals are raised to be eaten, but that indistinct awareness didn't quite prepare her for the frank discussions about eating animals that are present in the film or for the more serious concept that the farmer kills the animals in order to eat them.
I had very fond memories of the 2nd half of the film (Babe at the sheepdog competition), but had forgotten how brutally honest the film is about where food comes from in the first half.
I'm not saying that this is bad information (it's a fair take on farm life, albeit with talking animals), just that many parents may not be prepared to discuss these details with a 5yo (especially as many adults don't want to face those realities themselves).
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AGE
Wonderful movie perfect for young children
Babe is a story about a nice pig with manners that breaks down barriers of prejudice. He's a lovable, honest character, but strong as well. A good role model. Very entertaining as well. I must have watched it ten times of my own accord, and I'm an adult.
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AGE
What are you talking about?
Wow. Is everyone here desensitized to violence & scariness? Watched too much television & think this is mild in comparison? I haven't watched television in over a decade, & maybe it's made me naive, but sheesh! My 4.5-year-old was totally freaked out by this film. He hated it. It was WAY too violent & scary for him. And I'm vegan, & he's a vegetarian, & I've previously made him aware of what farms are about . . . & this STILL freaked him out. Going by comments from parents on this & other, similar boards, I rented this movie, thinking there were two or three intense scenes & that the rest of it would be cute & funny. Well, it is basically nonstop action, violence, & fright, with two or three cute, funny scenes. He and I watched some of it together, & then he made me turn it off . . . I watched the rest of it after he went to bed; that's the only way I know that it was just more of the same. Guess I'll just have to screen it myself next time; I can't go by what's on these boards.
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AGE
Scary and sad
It's scary and sad! My son (who is very sensitive, I admit) cried three times and kept running out of the room.
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AGE
A New Classic
I've never met anyone who didn't enjoy this heartwarming tale of a pig who is nurtured by a mother-figure border collie and thus, thinks that he too should be herding sheep. The animals "talk" to one another and the topic of stereotypes and discrimination/bias are handled in a positive way. The issue of animals being bred to be eaten is present but could only disturb the most sensitive of very young viewers. There is a brief scene of animal poaching but it is not violent. There is a shotgun present in a scene where the farmer considers slaughtering the pig but again, no violence. This film leaves you feeling good and presents many positive themes for kids. (The scene with the duck -- who thinks he's a rooster -- trying to make off with the alarm clock is too cute!) Good for young kids but also entertaining for adults.
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AGE
love
i love this movie so much.its amazing and cute.one of my fave movies.its really not violent
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AGE
Unique Creation
The first of two movies-this one is clearly a great example of family friendly entertainment. It is a truly unique creation and communicates good lasting values.
A caution for those 3 and under - some sequences may be violent and dark so you will need to be there to explain what's happening.
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AGE
Not really for young kids
I actually like the movie, but think it has harsh language and violence. The sheep and the dogs are at odds and each think the other is stupid...there is a good message in the end, but for younger audiences the focus might be on the words rather than the resolution. BUT...the biggest issue I have with the movie is the violent relationship between the two dogs that are like a married couple. He acts like a typical abusive partner and she comes across as the typical abuse victim prior to getting out of the relationship. She makes excuses for his abusive behaviors. I think adults should be very careful about letting young children see these parts of the movie without some discussion. But aside from these issues, it is otherwise a very cute movie that ends well with good lessons for mature enough audiences.
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| Topics: | book characters, horses and farm animals |
| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Chris Noonan |
| Cast: | Christine Cavanaugh, Hugo Weaving, James Cromwell |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 91 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 4, 1995 |
| DVD release date: | November 19, 1997 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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