Tools for this page
Print

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

(1954, Rated NR, Musical, Starring Howard Keel, Jeff Richards, Russ Tamblyn)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Thrillingly energetic dances on film.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The movie deals with the role of women
  • Violence & scariness:

    A fistfight
  • Sexy stuff:

    Reference to Adam's having to sleep outside.
  • Language:

    None
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    None
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Parents need to know that some critics have complained that the movie all but promotes rape, but that is unfair. Ultimately it is very much the girls' own decision to stay and marry. Milly wants to be seen as a partner who has opinions and value, not a servant without wages. The girls want to be asked, not kidnapped.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the barn raising dance number helps to tell the story. Milly and Adam get married very quickly without talking about what they want. How does that create problems? How does Milly show how important family is to her? Why is it hard for Adam to realize how important Milly is to him? How does Milly show how important family is to her? Why is it hard for Adam to realize how important Milly is to him?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Seven Brides for Seven Brothers?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    This is a very good movie. There is nothing bad in it!

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 0.0

    Respect and Love

    This movie has nothing to do with rape and it certainly has nothing to do with slavery. Millie stands up for herself quite well, but all the problems were caused by lack of communication between Adam and Millie. Adam was also ignorant in that he is an honest-to-goodness mountain man that knows nothing of manners or how to treat women, so his new and equally ignorant wife tells him how to do it. All of the Pontipee brothers are shown how to treat ladies with respect and though they capture their girls in a disrespectful way, they treat them with respect and woo them in a proper way once spring comes and they can spend chaperoned time together. See the movie and you'll love it!

  3. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 0.0

    Rapists

    The entire film is an allegory for how women pretend not to love rape, but deep down, they love it. It hides behind a few weak pseudo feminist speeches by Millie, the head slave, but perpetuates exactly what it criticises. Everything else about the film is irrelevant.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name