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To Kill a Mockingbird
- Review Date: July 14, 2003
- NR
- Genre: Classic
- 1962
Common Sense Media says
Masterpiece with crucial lessons about prejudice.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that young children will identify with Scout, but the material might be more than you would want your kid to take in. Preteens will like the story, but mature themes may be confusing for them -- a post-video discussion is advised.
What's the story?
Based on Harper Lee's classic novel (which is often assigned to kids in junior high school), TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is set in a small Alabama town in the 1930s and follows the story of the Finch family -- 6-year-old Scout (Mary Badham), her older brother Jem (Philip Alford), and their widowed lawyer father Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck). Two parallel story lines follow Atticus' difficult decision to defend a black man who has been accused of raping a white woman, and the two young Finches' fascination with their mysterious -- and rumored to be dangerous -- recluse neighbor, Boo Radley (Robert Duvall). Atticus and his children face disapproval and worse from those who believe the accused is guilty, with or without a trial. And Scout and Jem discover that someone is leaving strange little gifts for them in a tree near their home.
Is it any good?
This Hollywood masterpiece offers crucial lessons about prejudice and the fears that motivate it. Children will appreciate a movie that respects their intelligence and reaches for the heart without gimmicks and overly cute characters. Peck's Academy Award-winning performance anchors the movie, which is finely crafted with a perfectly balanced script by Horton Foote. A paragon of decency who stands for tolerance and non-violence at all costs, Atticus is also a loving, nurturing father who treats everyone around him, including his children, with respect -- the model parent.
Despite the ugly truths portrayed here, a gentle goodness pervades, even during the darkest of moments. Foote includes more than lynch mobs and courtroom fireworks; he also offers lower key, intimate moments. Like when young Scout questions her older brother about their deceased mother. Or, on a lighter note, when Scout fidgets during her first day of school; the tomboy can't get comfortable in her new dress.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the prejudice depicted in the movie, which is set in 1930s Alabama.
What has changed in the United States since the 1930s when it comes to race, and do you think racism still exists today?
How has the media's depiction of racism and people of varying races changed over the years?
What role can/should the media play in fighting issues like racism?
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AGE
A Moving Triumph of Moviemaking!
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is based on the book of the same name (which I also reviewed). It's a moving, fictional account of a young girl, her brother, and their lawyer father who live in the bigoted south in the 1930s. The movie follows the book very closely, with many of the same lines. There are only minor changes. Atticus, the father, serves as the best role model in any book or movie I can think of.
There is no sex or nudity shown, but an innocent black man is accused of rape and the colorblind Atticus is called to defend him. The trial is handled in mild terms but will be tense for younger viewers. Violence is frequent but is all offscreen. We hear that a man is stabbed through the ribs while stalking children, and we hear the the black man who went on trial (SPOILERS) was shot and killed. There are no real curse words, but "ni***r" is used several times.
Though I love the movie, I must say that I liked the book a bit more, because of the Mrs. Dubois subplot, which was deleted in the movie. Gregory Peck is perfectly cast; he is Atticus.
Although there is some objectionable content, kids should watch this movie with their parents. It's a must-see for everyone, young or old (though not too young). Highly recommended.
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AGE
Good movie.
When i started watching this movie the beginning was very slow and dragged on. It was a dull introduction of all the characters. However, it picked up as it went along. I recommend this to ages 13+
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Great Movie for 3 Reasons
3 things stand out: the message (revolutionary for its time), the music (one of the best scores especially in the title sequence), and the acting (Gregory Peck and several good child stars).
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AGE
LOVE IT!
"To Kill a Mocking Bird" is the best black and white movie I have seen. I think it was a good choice to make it in black and white because it really helped set the feel for when the movie takes place. I thought that every second of the movie was interesting and that the least exciting moment was as exciting as some movies climax. The part of this movie I enjoyed the most was the trial of tom Robinson. I had never seen a trial before and I loved it. I think Atticus was a really good lawyer and did an amazing job trying to prove Tom Robinson innocent, he was a very strong inspiring character.
All of the characters had very distinct personalities, which really helps to make a film more enjoyable, because you almost feel like you know them. You could tell by looking at scout that she was daring and adventurous, by watching the film for a few minutes you would know that she was very confident and out spoken. Jem was stubborn but just as daring and adventurous as scout. You could easily tell that both children loved and cared a bout there father Atticus a lot and he cared about them just as much.
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Brilliant, deep yet accessible movie
This movie is amazingly paced, in a metaphorically Southern way. The richness of the characters and story is perfectly presented and lingers with you weeks after watching the movie. Even the black-and-white presentation adds to the timelessness of the picture. Place watching this movie on list of 100 things to do before you die. Reading the book should also be on the same list.
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Great to Watch with Older Kids
This movie is definitely for older kids and up. There is racial tension in this movie that must be discussed and explored. The n word is used, and it's got some pretty realistic scary scenes where the kids are in potential danger, and the children do get attacked. So keep all this in mind. All in all a beautiful movie about a man doing what he knows is right in the face of hatred and racism. Promotes very good messages and role models in the kids and in their father.
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A classic story of social prejudice
To Kill a Mockingbird still holds up after all these years. 'Scout' will appeal to children who feel 'different' for whatever reason. There is much to discuss with your children after watching this movie from 'pre-judging' people by how they look or how they act, to why some people believe differently than we do. I think it would be too difficult for children to understand or 'get into' under the age of 11 or 12, but very bright children with a high sense of justice will 'get it'.
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The Greatest Book Of All Time
This book handles many different issues in a mature and inlightening way. Reading this made me a better and more understanding person and I thank To Kill a Mockingbird for many a enjoyable read.
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| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Robert Mulligan |
| Cast: | Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Robert Duvall |
| Genre: | Classic |
| Run time: | 131 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 25, 1962 |
| DVD release date: | January 2, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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