Big Miracle (PG, 2012)
common sense media says
Animal-rescue tale has one death but otherwise OK for kids.
parents & educators say
- 88% say language is an issue
- 38% say there are positive messages
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Big Miracle is an animal-rescue adventure that was inspired by a true story from the 1980s. Although the movie has positive messages about family, friendship, nature, and more, there's one very disturbing death that may cause little ones to cry out of sadness. Language includes a few exclamations like "damn," "holy crap," "hell," and "bastards," and mild flirting includes one kiss between a grown-up couple. Because this is a "period" drama, there are some political discussions about Reagan's administration versus the Greenpeace agenda. Kids will also learn about Inuit tribe culture, the difference between tribal and commercial whaling, and about whales and their migratory patterns.
Educational value:
Kids will learn quite a bit about whales and their habitat and migratory patterns; Inuit culture and its connection to whales and whaling; the uneasy relationship between the United States and Russia in the late '80s; and the political differences in opinion between Greenpeace activists and the Regan administration.
Positive role models:
The Inuit tribe leader isn't just a chief, he's a grandfather who teaches Nathan about his heritage and how to listen to the whales. He also makes a decision to help rather than harvest the whales, even though it would benefit his people to use them for food and fuel. Nathan learns about his people and why the whales are so important to them. Rachel is a catalyst for change. Reagan's adviser is truly interested in the whales, not just how the situation will affect the administration.
Violence & scariness:
The movie opens with an Inuit tribe hunting a whale, which they harpoon (this happens off camera). Bam Bam is injured during the ordeal; his breath sounds shaky and labored while he's ill. Spoiler alert: Children may become upset during an unexpected animal death. It's devastating, because audiences assume there will be a happily ever after. Expect younger kids to be disturbed, possibly to the point of crying. Also a few tense moments during a helicopter ride.
Sexy stuff:
Nathan calls a TV reporter "hot." Adam flirts with Jill and eventually rekindles his relationship with Rachel; they share one kiss.
Language:
Mild language and insults/name-calling include "hell," "stupid," "holy crap," "witch," "damn it," "cocky," "bastards," and "oh my God." Because the movie takes place in the '80s, the Inuit tribe is referred to by the less politically correct term "Eskimo."
Consumerism:
The National Guard Colonel drives a Maserati and owns a JVC sound system and Mr. Coffee coffee maker. A Sony and RCA Walkman are also shown.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
In one scene in which two characters discuss job frustrations, many mini bottles of scotch are visible, and one character refers to herself as drunk. There might also be drinks on a table during a brief dinner scene or two, but it's not overt.
More on Big Miracle
Watch our review
Review It
Based on 8 parent & educator reviews:
- 88% say language is an issue
- 38% say there are positive messages
Most useful reviews by all members
caribbeandream
parent of 7 year old
parent of 7 year old
Age
Great family movie
My family saw a sneak preview of this movie last week. The theater was packed with people who laughed out loud, cried openly and literally stood up and clapped when the movie ended. My only criticism is that they could have done without the two "holy crap" right at the beginning of the movie. Even my son gasped because they were so out of context and completely unnecessary. Otherwise, this is a great family movie.
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bluucantu
adult
adult
Age
Cussing over the top...
It seemed like whoever wrote the script was trying to see how many times they could use the word, "hell". I didn't count but my guesstimation was about 10 times. It's a movie for kids, why is it necessary to add these things? The drunk reporter wasn't necessary either..If they would have left some of things out it would have been a perfectly good movie. A tear-jeaker.
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new man
adult
adult
Age
well
i have not seen thiis movie yet but am noticeng some complaints about language well this movie is rated pg not g and other parents need to keep in mnd mabey before going to see the movie
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iPunk
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Age
Animal compassion film is sad, suspenseful, and meaningful
It is in a time where animals weren't appreciated that much. So that phrase "he/she is treating them like an animal" applies. It comes from stories like this. Drew Barrymore plays a lady from greenpeace who cares about these whales that are trapped in some ice. She tries to get people in on this plan to get them out. But she tries unsuccessfully untill she comes across a news crew. This was set in the eighties and they didn't have anti-animal abuse stuff. A kid who loves animals will like this film. There is some bad language and one kissing scene.
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capecrazy
parent
parent
Age
Nice movie; could have done without the language
This was a really nice movie that our kids loved but we did feel the gratuitous use of "bastards" and "holy crap" and "hell" were completely unnecessary in what would otherwise be a really nice family film.
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KittyLover22
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
Age
May insprire kids. Tells kids that even though you're just one person,you can still make a difference.
There's not much drugs involved,not much sex,plenty of educational stuff and positive messages,and even good role models. I think kids 7 and older will enjoy this movie.
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rhonda96
parent
parent
Age
a great movie but says "holy crap"
an amazing movie i loved it so did my 15 and 11 year old daughters my only complaint is that is says holy crap and i really don't allow my kids to say that but overall, it's a good movie
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SomeoneYouDon& ...
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
Age
Nice for kids
I watched this movie in the theaters and it was nice, but a little bit bland. Also, the death of Bam-Bam was very upsetting and unfortunate. But it was still a good movie.
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angela2678
parent
parent
Age
Loved Big Miracle!
My 10-year-old daughter and I loved this movie! I agree that the language wasn't necessary, but it also wasn't that frequent. I tend to be VERY conservative about what my kids see, and I wasn't really concerned about the language. I disliked the scene in which a reporter was visibly drunk (and referred to herself as such), but that was the only scene in which drinking was a factor. We were SHOCKED that there was an animal death--we totally assumed it was going to be happily-ever-after. My daughter cried (but so did I!). Some of the topics were "adult," but not in an inappropriate way--they were just over her head. Things like the relationship with the Soviet Union, for example, or the political tensions happening in the presidential campaigns--she didn't understand that, but it's not like it was inappropriate. There were also some clever points throughout--be sure to check out a cameo by someone in the last scene! During the credits, they show real footage from the time (similar to how Dolphin Tale was done), and that was a nice touch. Overall the movie was funny, sweet, and less predictable/cheesy than you'd think. It had a sweet message about standing up for what you believe in and how we can accomplish big things if we all work together. We loved it.
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peanutmom2001
parent of and 5 , 8 , 10 year old
parent of and 5 , 8 , 10 year old
Age
Too much language...
I wish this was better than it was, but honestly, when my 8 year old son keeps asking me why there is so much language in the movie when he is usually the one pushing boundaries in our family, I have to say it made it not worth recommending. To the individual who said I should know better because it was rated PG - I would have thought that was because of the death of Bam Bam and maybe one or two swear words. Not the constant barrage of hell's and more throughout. Also, the whales popping out of the water every other minute while looking extremely fake made it really hard to concentrate on the plot of the film. I had no emotional attachment to the fake whales whatsoever. Best scenes in the film were the ones that were underwater.
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Movie_Mom
parent
parent
Age
Almost Wholesome Whale Story
A very good film based on a true story. I found language was an issue(why must they do this all the time to good movies??), and the drunken reporter was not necessary, but we discussed these things. It is probably worse than they see/hear in primetime tv when away from home. All of my kids(ages 9, 13 and 16) enjoyed this movie, and we were all moved by the loss experienced. Nicely handled on the environmental issues brought to light, although I seriously doubt it was that easily handled during that time. I liked the clips and pics shown at the end during the credits too - nice touch.
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