This is an excellent movie. It tells a good story, the characters are compelling and realistic. The two main characters Jess & Leslie, as well as the two teachers Miss Edmunds (music) & Mrs Myers (English) {especially when she emotionally speaks of loss to Jess} provide excellent role models for children and young teens. Although I wish the character of Leslie did not die, and the story went a different direction; it is the very depth of loss that gives this story power. The death of my mother before I turned 13, as well as several other deaths that occured when I was near the age of the characters, clouds my objectivity I think. There are many good lessons of redemption, beyond the main plot. Such as with the class bully (Janice) and between Jess and his father, and of course Jess and May Belle.
Bridge to Terabithia
(2007, Rated PG, Family and kids, Starring Zooey Deschanel, Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb)Ratings at a Glance
| 60% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 40% | of parents say it's educational |
| 40% | of parents say it's too violent |
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Most Recent Reviews
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Like it, friendships theme appeal to kids. I will not avoid the discussion on death, because many children have such experiences. But, we need to caution them before screening this movie, and tell them that it is ok to walk away or talk to someone about the discomfort.
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
this movie was....
this movie was great but very sad! one of the main charecters die (off screen) but it is no less dramatic and sad.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Beware Not As Advertised
I got this movie out because it is advertised as a family fantasy giving impression of fairy tale action - It is nothing of the sort and I feel that I was tricked into watching it. Although it was a great movie, I’d like to have the option to choose a sad or happy film. The cover does not indicate any upset and I am still traumatised by the devastating events that took place in the movie. Yes it depends on what type of person you are, but if I'd have been forewarned I would not have taken it out at this time and was very disappointed. Although I can see the benefits it has to raise topics of discussion with children about life issues, this would have to be pre-planned and I found the movie content opposite to its packaged description and do not really want to see it again unless I'm in a crying mood or wish to get a subject across to my niece. Incidentally if a child has no compassion nothing not even a sad movie is going to change them.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Main character's death is revolting.
This film's main character, a fantastic girl,who's brave, imaginative, athletic, and a great friend, simply dies. What kind of message is that? This movie is more than terrible, our family finds it revolting . My 5 y.o.daughter said: I wanted to be like her (in other words, the message is: if you're like her you'll die). Although it's rated for General Audiences, its themes require maturity to be processed.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
beautiful film
Amazing film (Disney actually delivered this time) I saw with my 2 good buddies 4 my birthday...what a great gift!
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 13 and give it
Was it necessary to kill the character?
The story was great until they killed the girl. It's like the sappy tear-jerker from the 1980"s , "Ordinary People" , for little kids. It's funny to me that art is one of the themes because the film (and I assume the book) could have been a beautiful story about growing up and art but instead it went off the deep end into a sea of sap. I can't for the life of me understand why anybody would make this story into a movie--twice!
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
A sad movie, with a strong moral at the end.
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
Excellent, but too real for children dealing with tragedy
This movie was not what we expected. Parents should know one of the main characters is a child who dies...even though the death is not shown, the circumstances surrounding it are too real. This movie reminds me of Stand By Me, but with milder language and a lighter air around the movie.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Sweet, yet sad, friendship story that the whole family can enjoy.
Bridge to Terabithia, based on the Newberry award-winning book written by Katherine Paterson, is one of the must-see movies of 2007. For those of you who saw the 1985 TV movie - don't be fooled! This movie is much, much better than that version. Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) is a fifth-grade boy who is mistreated at school and neglected by his family. His biggest dream is to be the fastest runner in his grade, but that dream is crushed by the new girl who beats both him and all of the boys: Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb, who definitely steals the show, along with Bailee Madison, who plays May Belle). Now, beating somebody in a race doesn't sound like a good start for a friendship, does it? But nevertheless, and despite their many differences, the two become inseparable. One day, Leslie runs off into the woods with Jess tagging along. They swing on a rope over a creek to the other side of the woods. Plain and ordinary to many, but a magical kingdom to Jess and Leslie. Leslie names the kingdom Terabithia, and shortly, they must defeat the (imaginary) creatures that stand in their presence. One day, Jess's music teacher (and crush), Ms. Edmunds, invites him to go to an art gallery in Washington, D.C., with her. But upon his return, Jess learns some shocking, heartbreaking news from his family. It is then when he comes to grips with this that he learns the strength and wisdom Leslie gave him. Parents - the word "damn" is used once. The debate between Jess and Leslie over whether it's necessary to believe in the Bible may offend some viewers. The action battles get rather rough, even though it's supposed to be imaginary. And a shocking plot twist midway through the story will certainly sadden children as well as adults. It's a good movie with a good message, but because of the sadness that goes along with it (along with some other iffy content), it'd be smart to preview it before letting anyone under the age of 9 see it.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Half the cinema was in tears
such a emotional film made me cry when we found out leslie died not sutible for children under ten probably to deep thoughted for young children absouletly loved it though .
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Have tissues ready. You will cry!
Perhaps a good movie to introduce the idea of death to a child. But might be bad for a child who's already experienced the death of someone close. Very sad.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
So great but so sad!!
Up front, without spoiling, you need to know that if you are a parent, you WILL cry at the end of the film. Even my husband cried. But it is a beautiful story of friendship, not nearly as much about fantasy worlds as the trailers would have you believe. Read the book, too.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
i cried
This movie is very good but it is NOT for kids my 19 year old kid cried for 2 days nonstop, he couldn't sleep or do anything.You should watch it,but dont take your kids.i cried alot two and first the movie was beautiful but at the end leslie dies and it was the saddest part im not gonna let my other kids watch it.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
My kids were expecting more action
My kids weren't in love with this movie. The previews showed far more fantasy than really is in it. They found it difficult to follow at points, even though 2 of them read the book. It was good, but as we say in our house, not a buy me movie, it's a rent me.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
Great movie--of course
Those of you who have seen it know what a great movie it is. Those who haven't--you're missing out! My favorite line (I'm paraphrasing): "My dad says TV kills brain cells." Enjoyable for kids and adults. Oh, and bring a hankerchief.
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
A great heart-warming story
I loved the true-to-life story. The storyline portrays how children and adults these days would act, without distasteful examples. I was disappointed of the advertising. It is not a largely fantasy film, mainly drama with some fantasy. I enjoyed it enough to buy it, though. My 3,4, and 6 yr olds all seemed to enjoy it, although I think it is too much for younger than 5. My 4yr old didn't cry til I'd been going for a while. We are strong Christians, and weren't offended by the "Jesus" and "hell" comments. Everyone's different, and we try to teach that.
- I rate this title off for age 13 and give it
Horrible!!
My husband and I took our 4 year old daughter to see this movie thinking it was a light-hearted fantasy film. Holy Crap! I am very upset about the girl dying in this movie! Had I known, we would not have gone to see it. Very upsetting for myself as well, thinking I was going to see a nice movie and this happens..on the heels of my own father's death. Very angry!
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
I watched intently
I brought my 2 year old to the movie, to see all the neat Animal/Monster fairytale beings (She is a very good movie goer), and their just wasn't a lot of that in there so it did not keep her intrest,Over-all it was a desinct movie,I don't really believe age is a factor, more of - attention span then anything,Also if your child is overly sensative to real life problems it may not be a good choice. Thanks, Concerned Parent
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
chills
i just finished watching it with my brothers and my little sister. i literally had chills the entire time. and i cried when jesse was hugging his father, and my brothers were staring at me, but i cried anyhow. i read the book two times in a row and i cried both times and i think this is the best movie adaptation of a book i have ever seen.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
Awesome
Really good book and movie!!!
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
perfect for 9+
I think it was a great movie in the beginningBut i did not like the end because it has a very sad ending and there is alot of bullying thru the movie but it is a great friendship movie
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Though the movie was better than i thought it would be, there is one thing that gets me. In the book, Terabithia is a world that the kids are imagining; the author clearly states that. The movie, however, seems almost like a fantasy movie, because all of their ideas are actually shown, and I think younger kids will think that there really are creatures in Terabithia, rather than appreciate the imagination of it all. I cried when Leslie dies and Zoe Deschanel is wonderful as the music teacher!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
Amazing!
I can't believe Leslie dies. That's the only part of the movie that I didn't like. (And I didn't like the swearing.)
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Though the movie was better than i thought it would be, there is one thing that gets me. In the book, Terabithia is a world that the kids are imagining; the author clearly states that. The movie, however, seems almost like a fantasy movie, because all of their ideas are actually shown, and I think younger kids will think that there really are creatures in Terabithia, rather than appreciate the imagination of it all.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Tweens and up.
Well, it was an OK movie but at the end the girl dies so young kids shouldn't see this.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
A good Mix!
This is really a very good movie. I really didn't like the part which Jesse died. It was a pretty mix movie. I mean like I was half crying and half amazed and half laughing! Totally a good Mix of 3!
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Teaches lessons and is very good!
I say that this is a very good movie that teaches about the importance and power of friendship. Great movie, but parents, there is some language that's iffy, so if you don't want your child to see a movie with minor language, don't let them see this. But it's worth seeing! I was so close to crying near the end! So, yes, it's sad, too.
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
Great Movie! I LOVED it!!!!
I love Bridge to Terabithia! It is a great movie about friendship.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Sad, but nice.
I have heard people say that this film is for fans of Narnia. I don't agree. Narnia is a fantasy/action. This movie is a fantasy story involving school and drama. I liked it, but most kids won't.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Pretty sad ending
It's a great movie but it DOES have alot of mature themes which kids under 10 won't understand, or if they do understand they probably would cry after seeing the film, but it's goof for kids 10+.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Good movie There has been a lot of controvorsy about this... I don't think it was necessary to rate it PG-13, but I would say no kid 10 and under should watch this, it's pretty sad and slightly depressing/disturbing. If you can handle it, then it turns out to be a fun movie to watch. It makes you think.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
i cried
this move was great i loved it though it was really sad when the girl died but the rest of the movie was really good and very detailed
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
SOOOO SAPPY!
really hokey. boo hoo. boo hoo. The whole imagination-life-is-your-creation thing does'nt cut it with lame effects znd just plain silly scenes. Please, this ovieis a waste of life.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
I cried and I laughed!
We had to read this for school then watch the movie I laughed so hard during the movie. But then i cried too! This is a must read or watch! It teaches about friendship,death with mINOR MINOR violence. It shows how a boy anda girl fall in love with each other and create a whole new world. Until it all falls apart.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Iffy
This movie was okay, but somewhat depressing. No sex, some violence, but nothing graphic (so don't go by adult reviews who say the movie should be PG-13. There is absolutely nothing graphic). Language: One use each of "jeez," "where in god's name?" and "omigosh." In moments of anger, Jess' dad blurts out "h---" once and "d--n" three or four times. Other content: it is mentioned that a girl's dad hits and yells at her, some name-calling and quite a bit bullying. I recommend ages 13+ because of the bullying situation, and the fact that there is a death.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
AWESOME MOVIE
this is for kids with struggles in relationships and friends. Even though I don't, the movie was moving in every way. I started to seep into it! Awesome actors. Annasophia Robbs made you feel for her.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I don't really like this movie
the headline says it all
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Really sad.
I'm a skater chick, so you would probably assume I didn't cry at this movie. This movie, however, got to me. I still cry every time I see this movie.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I didn't like it but....
I really thought this movie was bad. But I don't go for those feel good type of movies. Based on the trailer, I thought this was going to be an action flick. I was proven wrong. Out of the whole movie maybe about 10 minutes of action. I also may not have liked it because I went with my class of teenagers(and I'm sure you know how teenage boys sit through feel-good movies) But remember these reviews are ALL opinions. Also remember that if you want an action flick, see something like STAR WARS. If you want a feel-good movie, see BRIDGE TO TERIBITHIA. If you're a person that cries a lot, remember to be ready with Kleenex;)
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Very Sad!!!!
This is sad and I got disappointed at the end, and also there are senses of love between the main character. There is also some bullying at school, and some bullying to his sister. Then he got along better at the end. Emotianal, and you might want to have a box of tissues with you when you watch it.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
