 | 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. |
Lord of the Flies
- Review Date: May 4, 2003
- NR
- Genre: Drama
- 1963
Common Sense Media says
Book-based classic can be scary and troubling in places.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie based on the classic novel has some very scary moments, and the overall theme may be particular troubling for some kids.
What's the story?
Based on William Golding's award-winning allegorical novel, LORD OF THE FLIES is the story of a group of English schoolboys marooned on a remote island. At first, they operate according to the structure they're used to ("Let's make a lot of rules!" shouts one of the boys). Ralph, thoughtful and democratic, is selected as their leader. He plans for the long term, keeping a signal fire going. But when no one comes to rescue them, civilization slips further and further away. Jack and his "hunters" take over, becoming more and more savage. They paint themselves and make sacrifices to a mythical "beast," first the heads of the animals they kill for food, and then one of the boys, killed in a wild ceremonial dance. They murder Ralph's last follower, a chubby boy called "Piggy," and they are chasing murderously after Ralph when they are found by rescuers.
Is it any good?
The movie has some very scary moments, and the overall theme may be particular troubling for some kids. But it's more kid-friendly than the 1990 remake, which updates the story with a contemporary setting and changes the boys' nationality to American. Dark and sometimes gory, it has some power, but it's not as good as the original. Teenagers should read the source book by Nobel Prize winner Golding.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's messages. What points is it making about humanity and our basic nature? If you were in the boys' position, do you think you would be able to maintain the current laws of society? Families who've read the book the movie is based on can compare the two. Which do you like better, and why?
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AGE
disturbing
not for anyone under 15
many uses of foul language
scenes of murder
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Kid, 12 years old
January 22, 2011
AGE
realy good
its definetly a good family film even though its in black and white it was intresting its not as in absoloutly brilliant but its got a positive message about teamwork great work though
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AGE
Just skip it (warning- spoiler alert)
The book was disturbing (and people think my reading list is disturbing, so I really mean it), and the movie was worse (quality wise). I wished I could stop about the point that they stuck a stick up a pig, then stuck its decapitated head on a stick. Which then rots and is surrounded by flies. (although none of it is as graphic in the movie-I'm actually mostly describing the events of William Golding's novel) Then, they kill two of the boys-one in a frenzied mob, and the other in cold blood for asking for his glasses, which he is essentially blind without. Then they proceed to burn the island to try to kill another boy. Yeah, it's really pleasant.
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AGE
Really Good Adventure Drama
Great Book; Really Good Movie
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AGE
uh?
my mom has read it but i havent, honestly this just looks odd to me.
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April 9, 2008
AGE
did not like
I watched this in school and did not enjoy it. This was bizarre and odd movie.There were some things that young kids would find scary, when the boys are killed. Ralph is chased after fearing for his lifef. I really didn't like this movie, but I had to watch it. 8 and up can watch, but why would they want to?
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AGE
The book was better than the movie. This is a book/movie that you should see sometime in your life.
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AGE
Lord Of The Flies - My view, now you decide.
It's a good film but one you have to keep watching. It is hard to understand at first but it is easy to get into. the bold stereotypical characters really make the film. I believe it can be interpreted in many ways, my view being that the message in this film is of the importance of leadership and higher achy. I enjoyed this film but wish it was in colour as the black and white makes it difficult to understand more stereotypical features and less easy to understand and interpret. As this film is often used in GCSE papers in the book version i see it an essential film for the young viewers today. After watching and studying this film i then read the book, this made it much easier to interpret. Much love for this as i am know hoping to purchase the acting version and the GCSE guide. It will captivate you and show you the truths of the world. whether it be for adult or child, i see it as an essential film to watch.
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| Studio: | Continental Distributing |
| Director: | Peter Brook |
| Cast: | Hugh Edwards, James Aubrey, Tom Chapin |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 92 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 13, 1963 |
| DVD release date: | January 18, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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