 | 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. |
The Black Cauldron
- Review Date: July 21, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1985
Common Sense Media says
Book-based fantasy is darker than much Disney fare.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this dark Disney animated feature (based on the Prydain books by Lloyd Alexander) will have much greater appeal for those who enjoy ghost stories and war epics than for fans of musical comedy. There are no songs, and even the comic relief involves violent images. The Horned King twice attempts to murder the hero, skeletons come to life and attack people, and witches use magic to hurl objects. For grade-school kids, the cute sidekicks and rapid pace will be appealing, but the many frightening images could fuel many a nightmare. Older kids and preteens interested in fantasy will enjoy the mystical plot.
What's the story?
THE BLACK CAULDRON follows the adventures of Taran (voiced by Grant Bardsley), an assistant pig keeper in Prydain who longs for adventure. The boy gets more than he bargained for when he discovers that the pig in his care has a gift for prophecy. The evil Horned King wants to use the animal to find the cursed black cauldron, which contains a spirit capable of animating the dead. Trying to save the pig, Taran ends up in the Horned King's dungeon. He hooks up with a princess, a minstrel, and an enchanted sword that helps them escape. Taran decides to find and destroy the black cauldron before the Horned King can use it to raise an army -- but when his plan fails, he finds himself and his friends trapped in the dark castle once again. Meanwhile, the Horned King's forces of evil prepare to destroy Prydain. Only a fierce battle and a tragic sacrifice can save Taran and his home.
Is it any good?
Perhaps the spookiest animated feature in Disney's collection, The Black Cauldron may frighten even fans of Goosebumps and other youthful horror videos. The main character is faced with death several times, while both animal sidekicks survive torture. With the face of a skeleton and a voice somewhere between Darth Vader and the Wicked Witch of the West, the Horned King emanates evil, while his minions act like representations of the Seven Deadly Sins. Prydain isn't exactly an inviting world.
Nonetheless, Taran makes a compelling hero. He starts out fearless because he has little to lose. As he makes friends, however, his concern for Princess Eilonwy (Susan Sheridan) and cuddly Gurgi (John Byner) makes him more cautious, until in the end he's ready to sacrifice his life to save the others. Girls may be frustrated at the non-centrality of the princess, but Princess Eilonwy makes a strong showing -- aside from a screaming fit near the end.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why Taran changed his approach to his quest as he gained friends. How did growing close to others change how much he risked?
Why was violence the main course of solving problems? What else could The Horned King or Taran have done?
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AGE
Never going to watch it again!
I can't believe how depressing for me to watch this. I feel shy about this movie and I can't watch it on the internet because of Princess Eilonwy. She overwhelmed me throughout this entire movie. Um... just never mind. All I'm going to say is that I will not see this movie ever again. That's all.
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AGE
I loved that movie. The characters weren't perfect, they made mistakes and stuff. (most of the Disney characters are too perfect.) The villain was awesome and serious. And it didn't have any songs.
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AGE
Fantasy adventure teaches loyalty and bravery.
Loyalty, bravery and persistance are taught. Some flirtation between witches and bard as well as scary moments. No blood or gore. The books were better, but they are for age 9 and up. This is a cute introduction, but watch it with your child.
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AGE
Not good by any means, but clearly a turning point for Disney. After the acclaim for Don Bluth's The Secret of NIMH, Disney entrusted the new generation of animators almost entirely. While a failure both at the box office and artistically, it both changed Disney policy and helped mature the next generation of animators, who would later lead the Disney Renaissance of the 90's. There is some nice use of colors, too.
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AGE
I like this movie. It may not be like the classics, but still good in its own right. I wish it would have been successful, but who cares? Very scary scenes not for toddlers. I reccomeded it
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AGE
Best Disney film ever! But very dark...
This is my all-time favorite disney movie. The horned king is my second favorite animated villain (my most favorite being sharptooth in the land before time). I heared that it was the first animated Disney film to be rated PG, and indeed it is quite frightening, so parents should keep that in mind. I love that it is not a musical, I love the comic reliefs Gurgy and Creeper, I just love everything. 5 stars!
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, book characters |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Richard Rich |
| Cast: | Grant Bardsley, Nigel Hawthorne, Susan Sheridan |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 80 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1985 |
| DVD release date: | October 3, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic intensity and violence |
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