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Black Beauty--The Movie

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    A harrowing and Beauty-ful version of the book.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Black Beauty is a magnificent horse at the mercy of human owners who alternately abuse and adore him. This may spark important thinking -- and discussion -- about human rights.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    the mistreatment that Beauty and Ginger suffer proves most frightening. Ginger's death (we don't see her die, she is just carted away) will probably inspire tears.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Black Beauty--The Movie

Parents need to know that this handsome adaptation of Anna Sewell's 1877 children's classic is emotionally harrowing, but ultimately heartwarming. Even the most stoic of kids will be moved. Because of the film's intense and sad scenes, parents are advised to use caution when allowing younger and more sensitive children to watch this film. Older children will love it for its action and a noble creature with which to empathize. Some teens may be a bit old for a horse story, but the movie is engaging, especially for teens interested in animal rights.

Read our full review by Randy White

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about animal rights and how each family member treats the animals they come into contact with. What is the message of this movie? Does it inspire you to think about animals differently?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    This really upset my sensitive 7 year old. She cried several times, even when the movie ended "happily" - Ginger dying and the mistreatment of the horses really affected her. She wanted to give the movie away after seeing it.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    A Wonderful Movie

    I was actually pleasantly surprised when I saw this movie. I thought Beauty's voice over really made the movie personal. It was heartwarming and ,at times, funny. My four year old enjoyed it, fortunately he was too young to understand about Ginger's death and the animal abuse. I have already recommened this movie to other family members. You won't regret seeing this film!

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