| 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. |
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.
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.
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.
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?
| Topics: | friendship, wild animals |
| Studio: | New Line |
| Director: | Luc Jacquet |
| Cast: | Bertille Noel-Bruneau, Kate Winslet, Thomas Laliberte |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 92 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 2, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | June 2, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | G |