Swiss Family Robinson (G, 1960)

common sense media says

Good intro to older movies for kids; watch for stereotypes.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this 1960 Disney movie includes frequent battles against pirates and wildlife. Although there's no bloodshed, the violence looks real. The pirates who attack the family appear as Asian stereotypes. Animal lovers will dislike the way the youngest child captures wild animals to keep for himself. 

Educational value: Teaches kids some great (if unlikely) survival tips if ever stranded in the wild. 
Positive messages: Strong positive messages about simplicity: If you are surrounded by the people who matter the most, material goods are no longer important.
Positive role models: Each of the Robinsons pull together to make the best of their isolated situation. They are grateful for the things they have, rather than spiteful for the things they've lost. They show imagination and intelligence when helping one another build, hunt, and cook. Some now-dated Asian stereotypes are portrayed.
Violence & scariness: Pirates attack and threaten; the Robinsons fight back with a variety of homemade weapons. There are sword fights and cannons fired. Although there's no bloodshed, the violence looks real. Also, two brothers fuming with jealousy fight over the same girl. And, the Robinsons feud for survival when wild animals frequently attack: a boa-constructor, a tiger, and sharks. 
Sexy stuff: Brothers joke about their desire of seeing women again. A young couple kisses.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Father and sons sit around a table and share wine.  The youngest son (about 10 years old) is allowed to take a sip from his father's glass. 

More on Swiss Family Robinson

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about what it might really be like to be stranded somewhere far away from home. What should you do if you're ever in a tough situation like the Robinsons'? How realistic is their scenario?

  • Families can also discuss the stereotypes featured in the movies. How has our culture changed since this movie was made? Why wouldn't the same characterizations be OK today?

What's the story?

What's the story?

A shipwrecked family sets out to make the best of their situation on a deserted island in this classic Disney film based on the book by Johann David Wyss. The Robinson family creates inventive homemade gadgets (most notably, a fabulous tree house), far outdoing the castaways on Gilligan's Island. But their new life isn't all fun and games as they battle pirates and wild animals.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON is a good introduction for kids reluctant to watch old movies. Shot on the island of Tobago, the scenery is gorgeous and the sets cleverly designed. Adults may occasionally wince at the stilted performances, but kids will be too wrapped up to care. Children may be enthralled by the animals, but find the tiger and snake scary. Parents should note that the violence against the pirates, particularly in the battle scenes, could be a problem for younger viewers.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Ken Annakin
Cast: Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, John Mills
Genre: Action/Adventure
Run time: 126 minutes
Theatrical release: December 21, 1960
DVD release: May 7, 2002
MPAA Rating: G

This review was written by Common Sense Media Editors
 
 

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What parents & educators say

5

Most useful reviews by all members

ronitld
parent of 8 year old
 
Heart warming adventure movie

arudek805
parent of 4 and 7 year old
 
A Classic
I loved this as a kids and my kids enjoyed it too. The way the family works together is great. The animals cracked my kids up. The fight with the pirates at the end is a little more violent than I normally allow my kids to watch. There is shooting and sword fighting, but on the whole a great family film.

Phil1995
kid, 13 years old
 
Cute movie! Family must see!
Very cute. One of my favorite Disney movies. When the pirates attack it isnt scary. I think kids under six might get bored. Again, very cute. All famlies must see this movie.

Sammy Keyes
kid, 11 years old
 
Wonderful for 7+
Hi, I'm ten years old, and I think this is a great family movie! {the Pirates aren't that scary.} There is a little showing of though.

erich
parent of 12 year old
 
Great adventure film
After seeing this movie as a child, the Swiss Family Robinson tree house was my favorite attraction at Disneyland. (Alas, it has since beome Tarzan's tree house.) It's a great adventure film with an unfortunately significant amount of violence. I don't think children under 5 should see it (although I let my son see it at 4.) There is also sexual content: the boys discover that the cabin boy they rescued is actually a girl, then treat her entirely differently thereafter. As an aside, I don't know what Indonesian pirates might have looked like during that time period, but the group portrayed in this movie is a very strange hodge podge of costumes and styles.

CSM Screen ...
teen, 17 years old
 
Nothing Special

lioness57
educator and parent of 13 and 18 year old
 
A Great Movie to Rediscover
I'm always looking for movies that can span the 4 year age gap between my 9 year old daughter and my 5 year old son. This one worked! I'd forgotten what a great adventure movie this is and shot in a beautiful location. There is some violence and a very scary river snake that attacks the Swiss Family Robinson boys, but it didn't send my 5 year old running away. Often the stereotypes in old movies make me cringe and I spend more time explaining how society has changed than enjoying thie movie. This one was easier to stomach than most - acceptable gender roles. There was a somewhat stereotypical portrayal of South Sea pirates, but they were pirates after all. Lots of fun for a lazy Friday night at home.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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