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The Fox and the Child (G, 2007)

common sense media says

Stunning story of friendship shows the magic of patience.

parents & educators say
  • 40% say violence is an issue
  • 40% say safety or privacy is an issue
See all 8 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this extraordinary family film does something that few movies can do: it takes a modern child and places her in the natural world without losing believability. The child's relationship with the fox does border on obsession, and there are moments where she is in peril, but she learns a valuable lesson that will ring a bell with viewers of all ages.

Educational value: Though she is learning about nature by being part of it every day, the child does read books about foxes in order to discover more about their behavior and habits.
Positive messages: The child attempts for months to befriend a fox, which exemplifies patient and persistent behavior. However, when she attempts to impose her own human values on the fox, she is taught a lesson about the boundaries of love.
Positive role models: The child is so very patient and curious that she models some ideal behavior. No parents are seen in the movie, though their voices are heard and their care is evident.
Violence & scariness: Wilderness dangers and human predators threaten the fox at times.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Fox and the Child

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • When was the last time that you were totally immersed in the natural world? Can you spend as much time outdoors as the girl in this movie does? What does she gain by being outside so often? What is she missing?
  • The child feels that she has truly become friends with the fox at one point. Is she fooling herself? Or are there different types of friendship? Do you have friends other than the kids your age? How do these friendships feel?
  • The breathtaking scenery in this film seems so unreal. Why is that? Is there a forest or field or national park near you? When was the last time you visited and just sat in the grass and listened to the sounds around you?

What's the story?

What's the story?
A familiar voice of a narrator (Kate Winslet) recalls a period of time in her childhood when she befriended a fox. As she explores the spectacular countryside near her home in the mountains, she uncovers a world of mystery and peril right under her nose. In order to even spot the fox, the girl (Bertille Noel-Bruneau) spends days upon days outside exploring and observing. As the months pass, she discovers her fox friend's habitat, its perils, and joys. And just as she gains the fox's trust, she learns a painful lesson about what it means to be a good friend.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Exploring nature at its breathtaking best, this movie will delight all animal lovers. Shots from inside of a fox's burrow, of hedgehogs playing and otters skulking in the stream, of bears hunting and wolves prowling, will mesmerize kids of all ages. Adults will appreciate the artistry of Luc Jacquet, March of the Penguins' creator, whose skill in capturing the natural world is unparalleled. Not only does the movie succeed in taking the viewer out of the technology traffic jam that is modern life, but it creates a shift in the heart of the audience member. It lets us believe that with enough patience and willingness, we can become so close to nature that we can be part of it again. And that is magic, indeed.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: New Line
Director: Luc Jacquet
Cast: Bertille Noel-Bruneau, Kate Winslet, Thomas Laliberte
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 92 minutes
Theatrical release: June 2, 2007
DVD release: June 2, 2009
MPAA Rating: G
This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

5
Based on 5 parent & educator reviews:
  • 40% say violence is an issue
  • 40% say safety or privacy is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

leaperville
parent of 6 year old
6
 
violence and a disheartening message
Contains very violent scene inappropriate for young children. A young girl tries to engage the natural world but ultimately endangers herself and the animals and landscape she cares about. Beautiful scenery, but very disappointing, disheartening message for a film directly towards children.
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dpaez
parent of 4 , 7 , and 14 , 15 year old
3
 
A wonderful movie with a few fast forward scenes
There are a few spots in the movie that I fast forward (the part where she gets lost in the cave and sleeps outside, and the part where the wolves surround the fox) but I feel like this movie is amazing. I wish it didn't have a narrator. It would have been great just observing all of this. I think the girl in the movie is a great role model as she is in nature and I love that it is not animated!
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FunMommy
parent of and 7 , 9 , 12 year old
5
 
My kids went to bed crying
The nature scenes are pretty but my kids 5, 7, 10 years were in tears at the end. The end is too abrupt and sad with no attempt to ease the transition for the child audience that it's obviously intended for. Don't show it at night; your kids will go to bed crying.
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alexman
kid, 10 years old
9
 
the one girl who discovered life in the forest must defend the forest from Mr. bear and hunters who are trying to destroy the kingdom
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RStan
parent of 6 and 9 year old
5
 
Loved the movie!!
From Kaela, 6 years old: I thought it was really really good. Very good actor. The baby foxes were so cute. I loved that girl! She was a really good actress. From Skye, 4 years old: I loved the baby foxes.
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Pairofeyesstar ...
parent of 6 year old
8
 
Good themes, better for older viewers
warning - this review tells about the ending we were devasted by the ending and the way the message was portrayed - a little harsh for our 6 year old I think the message of over obsessive friendship couldve been shown with the fox escaping instead of dying in a visually bloody death.
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Puppyluv13
teen, 15 years old
8
 
Excellent Family film but have a box of tissues with you
This was an excellent movie! A wonderful family film for all ages but the ending is pretty sad and very abrubt, Bottom line: Don't be surprised if your young movie viewer is in tears, the fox doesn't die but it's clear that the girl in the movie will never see the fox again and that's explained in a pretty sad way so I would say that it's age appopriate for kids ages kids ages 8+ and then again only for kids who aren't easily upset by stuff like this.
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WHIPLASH21
kid, 13 years old
7
 
BAD!
This is probably one of the worst movies I'v seen!
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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