 | 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. |
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
- Review Date: June 17, 2011
- PG
- Genre: Science Fiction
- 1977
Common Sense Media says
Sci-fi action classic perfect for sharing with kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic 1977 sci-fi action blockbuster may be more frightening than you recall. The central villain, Darth Vader, creates a menacing presence and engages in several acts of violence (threatening, choking). Another central character dies, though he just seems to disappear, and several minor characters die or are injured, though the images are brief or non-graphic. There are also a few instances of mild language, specifically "damn" and "hell," plus plenty of insults. Some families may take issue with the film's spiritual philosophies built around "the Force" as the central tenet of existence in the universe. For kids of the right age, this movie is an unforgettable ride through a vast galaxy of imaginative concepts and characters. Of the six films in the Star Wars series, this one offers the best and mildest balance of drama and action for younger viewers.
What's the story?
Set "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away," STAR WARS was the first movie released in the eventual six-film saga. It begins the adventures of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), a lowly farmboy from the planet Tatooine who finds himself swept into an intergalactic civil war after encountering R2D2 (Kenny Baker) and C3P0 (Anthony Daniels), two droids carrying secret plans for an engine of destruction known as the Death Star. Luke brings the droids to former Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) who unexpectedly leads the motley crew into the hands of the evil Empire via the starship of smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his Wookie sidekick, Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). The heroes rescue the captured Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and escape the Death Star just in time to lead a rebel assault against the space station and the vile Darth Vader (David Prowse/James Earl Jones), Dark Lord of the Sith.
Is it any good?
Star Wars is one of those films that has become sewn into the very fabric of our popular culture. And yet, every day new kids are born who have never seen it. Watched through the lens of a young child, some of the scarier moments of the film suddenly become more striking. Darth Vader is one of the great film villains for a reason -- he's a frightening figure who engages in some very real moments of violence. With the continued prominence of the Star Wars story through animated series, video games, and toys, it may be tempting to introduce the films to children when they are too young to handle these more intense moments.
But if kids are old enough or mature enough to handle these moments, then it's likely that Star Wars will blow their little minds. It remains an enduring classic for the same reasons it made such an explosive impression way back in 1977. It's full of pulse-pounding action lifted straight from the classic 1930s film serials, it's got humor and character to spare, and the story guides you effortlessly into a completely original universe full of strange creatures and amazing sights. It's easy to be cynical about Star Wars given the billions of dollars it's earned selling everything from DVDs to toothbrushes, but returning to the original film with fresh eyes will remind you just how remarkable Star Wars was -- and continues to be.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the heavy merchandising of the film in the decades since its release. Kids: Did watching the movie make you want to buy toys or games related to the movie? What's the appeal of owning something you've seen in a movie?
Movies have changed so much since the late 1970s, when this film was released. Does it still seem exciting, or did you realize you were watching an older film at times?
What's the impact of the violence in this movie? Does the fact that the special effects look old fashioned change the way the violence comes across?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Not about how good a movie, its about when its appropriate
In response to Sith Lord, this isn't a question of how awesome Star Wars is, it is a question of child development and when the film is appropriate. Way too much violence for a young child to understand....a wonderful movie for older children.Can't believe someone would show this to a 3 or 4 year old. Seems irresponsible to me...I loved it so lets have you watch it before you're ready. And just because a child doesn't get aspects of a movie doesn't make it OK to show it to them....it means they aren't ready to watch it YET.
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AGE
One word describes this movie: Awesome
It is awesome. If you haven't seen it, see it soon! OK, so I am a bit of a Star Wars geek, have been since I was 10 or so. But it is awesome. As for good messages and role models... Obi Wan is a good teacher; Luke at first is a little whiny, but matures; Han at first seems selfish but does the right thing in the end; Leia is a princess but doesn't use that as an excuse to do nothing; heck, even R2 shows resilience and loyalty to a good cause. The main good message is that we should fight for what is right no matter how hopeless it seems. Good will triumph in the end.
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AGE
classic, but what they didn't put on there, was that Han says
h-ll and da-n one or two times.
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AGE
Fun to watch with your kids
This movie is probably fine for most 5-year-olds, though we sent our daughter out of the room and fast forwarded through the part where Luke returns to find his aunt and uncle murdered and their farm burned. My daughter loved it at age 5, as well as episodes V and VI (though she had a few criticisms of those, mostly character flaws she didn't like).
I'm surprised at the reviews that say other little kids found it boring or confusing, but that's why you have to know your kids. I did have to explain what a smuggler was, and a bounty hunter, but the rest made sense to her.
As long as you watch with them, and are ready to turn it off if it isn't well received, I see no problem with giving this movie a try with a 5-year-old.
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AGE
Great for Young Kids
I recently watched this with my 5-year-old son. He's really into the Star Wars franchise, and this movie made a huge impression on me when I saw it at age 7, so I was anxious for him to see it. He probably would have gotten a bit more out of it had he been older, but he did really enjoy it. He wasn't scared by anything in it nor freaked out by the cinematic violence, but the plot nuances might have been a bit over his head. I don't believe that the violence in this movie is worth worrying about for the suggested age group, since it is pretty abstract (e.g. while people do get shot & killed, it's never graphic or distressing.) All in all, a great movie that stimulates the young imagination to no end.
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Kid, 12 years old
February 2, 2011
AGE
The start of an amazing saga.
George Lucas' first of the genius Star Wars saga. I'd say that with a bit of violence, and a character dies, but comes back through the force. Iffy for 5+.
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AGE
A long time ago a gem of a movie named Star Wars came along
Despite Star Wars being classed as a kids' movie it does have some blood and a plenty of violence. While Obi-Wan and Luke may be good role models, Han Solo on the otherhand is only interested in money. Star Wars is a fantastic adventure ride for both youth and their elders.
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Kid, 12 years old
June 28, 2010
AGE
Amazing for kids 9+
I loved this! My sister and I watched it and love it. We skipped over some of the more gruesome parts: Darth Vader choking a man, the burnt bodies, and the alien losing a limb when he tries to hurt Luke Skywalker. I think this is fine for kids nine and up as the neat special effects aren't so new nowadays, they'll be used to seeing monsters blown up. I did find the Galactic Empire blowing up an INHABITED planet a little creepy, but as all you see is a big bang and some big smoke clouds it isn't too bad. Both boys and girls should like this as Princess Leia is a really strong female character.
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Kid, 11 years old
March 5, 2010
AGE
good but watch out for the violence
It is pretty good. The only violence that concerned me was the part where a aliens limb is choped off (blood is shown). The first time i heard a bad word I thought I was just thinking that i was hearing thing, but after a few more I was surprised. The language includes he** d**m and there might have been more.
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| Topics: | adventures, robots, space and aliens |
| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment |
| Director: | George Lucas |
| Cast: | Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Run time: | 120 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1977 |
| DVD release date: | September 21, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | sci-fi violence and brief mild language |
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