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To Kill a Mockingbird
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Masterpiece with crucial lessons of prejudice.
updated 11.18.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 12 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About To Kill a Mockingbird
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.
Read our full review by TS Yellin
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?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
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+
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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).
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
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.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
one of the best movies ever!!!!!
a few weeks ago i watched in class and whats with the 12 and up rating? our class is made up of 10 and 11 year olds but any way I highly recommend it watch watch it watch it watch it watch it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way its black and white.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
watch it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
So beautiful at the end, I cried
A friend of mine heard that the movie was in black & white and immediately was turned off. Another person complained passionately about it. I find it sad that the movie is labelled `boring` because it isn`t in full, blazing colour. I loved it without colour. The part where everyone stands up as Atticus goes by in court and when Boo walks Scout home are the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen and I cried my eyes out. Watch it. It doesn`t need colour to be beautiful.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
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.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
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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