 | 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. |
Babies
- Review Date: May 6, 2010
- PG
- Genre: Documentary
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Mesmerizing film for kids and parents who adore wee ones.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this documentary -- which features four families from different parts of the world -- holds large appeal for both parents and children alike. There are no subtitles and several different languages spoken, but the universal messages of family and childrearing come through easily. Some families portrayed come from countries where nudity is commonplace (Namibia, specifically), and there are scenes of mothers breastfeeding children, but the images are placed in their social contexts. The movie offers a way for kids to learn about what it’s like to grow up elsewhere in the planet, and to acknowledge differences as well as similarities.
What's the story?
Director Thomas Balmes and his crew head to four points on the globe to film four babies: Mari of Tokyo, Japan; Bayarjargal (Bayar for short) in Mongolia; Ponijao of Namibia; and Hattie, born in San Francisco. Their everyday lives are captured on film as they discover the world in their first year of life, during which they learn how to discern their parents’ and siblings’-- and even their pets’ -- faces; master crawling and walking; and embark on adventures marked by (and independent of) language, cultural, and geographical differences.
Is it any good?
To watch BABIES is to celebrate infancy, regardless of ethnicity or geography. The filmmakers let the images speak for themselves -- there are no subtitles and little camera trickery -- and the soundtrack, though delightful, doesn’t intrude. It’s just as well: The babies are infinitely watchable. Watch Mari wail and flail over uncooperative toys; Bayar pull rank with a cat; Ponijao attempt to stand up to a cousin; and Hattie find joy in making sounds.
Yet, although the filmmakers are presenting their subjects without comment, the juxtapositions of scenes do make a statement. For example, Bajar and Ponijao are free to explore in the muck, literally, while Hattie and Mari are in relatively sterile environments, which begs the question: Does this mean anything? Do Bajar and Ponijao need more tending to, or are they lucky because they are more in touch with nature? (And they seem none the worse for wear for it, either.) Is one way of parenting better than another? There’s certainly lots to ponder: the mysteries of childhood, cultural diversity, and humanity itself.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how babies are raised in different countries: Are there any similarities among the four portrayed here? What are the main differences? Why do you think the filmmakers decided to make this movie?
What can we learn from the way babies live in different parts of the world? Did you find yourself making judgements about unfamiliar childrearing practices? Why or why not? Do you think the filmmakers presented the four families objectively -- or was there a bias?
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AGE
Great Family Movie About Culture, Caution with Maturity Levels
I took my daughter and her friend to see Babies. I think this is a great film and a great opportunity to talk with your children about just what "culture" is. My daughter enjoyed it and wants to see it again. My daughter's friend was bored and perhaps not mature enough "7" to see the film, as the birth scene and the topless African moms embarrassed and surprised her.
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Kid, 9 years old
February 2, 2011
AGE
Alexis lee
persnally i love it!
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Kid, 12 years old
May 3, 2011
AGE
Cute!
This movie was so cool!!!! it was funny, and just perfect for my family. the babies are so cute, and you can see other cultures' babies!
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AGE
My kids loved this film and loved comparing and contrasting he parenting and environments of the babies.
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AGE
Funny, sweet and worth watching
I LOVED this movie! It was so interesting to see how different children are raised all around the world. I laughed at how funny little ones can act whether it be in dirt, on carpet or in a bath of water. Definitely worth watching!
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AGE
Cuties!
These Babies are so cute! I like looking at what I was like when I was around that age! I think the worries are in Nambia, you see women's breats and boy's private parts. Also, a birth seen is shown with Bayar. I think a lot of people will enjoy this because it's great watching cute little babies grow up!
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AGE
A charming documentary
We loved this movie. My older child was able to sympathize with the different cultures and "got" the meaning behind the film, whereas my youngest just loved watching the babies! For me, I was only put off slightly by the obvious stereotypes- Poor= Black Africans in a hut, rich= White Americans in the Bay Area ( Why not a middle-class African and a poverty-stricken American?) But pushing that aside, I found the film to be beautifully filmed with a lot of charm.
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AGE
My daughter couldn't handle all the topless moms and showing kids defecating on legs and such...
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AGE
Everybody loves babies!
My daughters and I enjoyed this film immensely. It is an honest look at babies from four different cultures for the first year or so of their lives, which ultimately demonstrates how much we all have in common despite our differences.
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| Studio: | Focus Features |
| Director: | Thomas Balmes |
| Genre: | Documentary |
| Run time: | 79 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 7, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | September 28, 2010 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | cultural and maternal nudity throughout. |
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