 | 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. |
Swiss Family Robinson
- Review Date: June 24, 2003
- G
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 1960
Common Sense Media says
Good intro to older movies for kids; watch for stereotypes.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
September 20, 2009
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
March 31, 2012
AGE
All time classic
We own this movie, and my whole family considers it a classic!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Best for boys 8 and up
I wish I had waited a few years for this movie. The pirate attack scene shows pirates being crushed by heavy logs. It wasn't graphic like today's movies, but it was the first time my children watched people being killed. The two older sons fight quite a bit over the girl. Also, while the boys are incredibly industrious, and the eldest son sticks to his convictions on the kind of life he wants to lead, the women sit around in pretty dresses and aren't at all helpful. Better for boys.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | adventures, book characters, pirates |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Ken Annakin |
| Cast: | Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, John Mills |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 126 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 21, 1960 |
| DVD release date: | May 7, 2002 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
