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The Sword in the Stone

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Delightful classic brings Arthur legend to life.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Wart/Arthur is often bullied but never becomes a bully himself. Merlin instills in Arthur the importance of a good education and teaches life lessons -- courage, the power of love, and the importance of brains over brawn -- creatively. Also addresses the importance of fair play in competition.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Wart is often punished by his guardian and bullied by Kay.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Addresses the power of crushes to hurt feelings.
  • Language:

    The bad witch Madam Mim has some words for Merlin, but it's never too harsh.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Sword in the Stone was written by Nell Minow

Parents need to know that the main character experiences some bullying, but otherwise the film offers lots of positive lessons about courage, the importance of brains over brawn, the importance of fair play, and the power of love.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about what made Arthur the one who could pull the sword out of the stone? What did he learn from his adventures with Merlin? How will what he learned help him to be a good king? How did Madame Mim cheat? How did Merlin fight back when she did?
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More on The Sword in the Stone

What’s the Story?

Based on the book The Once and Future King by T.H. White, THE SWORD IN THE STONE is the story of the early years of King Arthur. Nicknamed "Wart," the future King Arthur is squire to a knight when he meets Merlin the magician, who promises to take on his education. Merlin turns him into a fish, a bird, and a squirrel to teach him lessons like the importance of brains over brawn. He gets to see this in action when Madame Mim, Merlin's enemy, challenges Merlin to a duel by magic, and, though she cheats, Merlin is able to defeat her. Wart still has his duties as a squire, and, having forgotten the sword for a jousting match, he runs to get it. He sees a sword stuck in a stone and pulls it out, not knowing the legend that whoever will pull the sword out of the stone will be the rightful king. He becomes King Arthur, and listens when Merlin reminds him that knowledge is the real power.

Is It Any Good?

The Arthur legend has fascinated people for centuries, and this story about Arthur's childhood has special appeal for children. Aside from the fun of seeing what it is like to be a bird, a squirrel, or a fish, and from having your very own wizard as a teacher, there is the highly satisfying aspect of having one's worth, unappreciated by everyone, affirmed so unequivocally.

Movie Details

Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
Run time: 79 minutes
DVD release: 6/16/2008
MPAA Rating: G for all ages

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    if u bought the movie......

    if u bought the movie throw it away it's no good.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Kids ages: 2, 3
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Sweet, simple, old fashioned story

    Sweet, simple story that doesn't stray too far from the original, with nice songs and magic. Not a great favourite, but fewer (and not very) scary bits than most Disney movies. Shame Wart (to become King Arthur) has an American accent!!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 2.0

    Wihtout a doubt the least creative and accomplished of the animated features made by Walt Disney.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on and give it 3.0

    I love it, but it's not a blockbuster

    There is magic and some violence with the witch and even the mistreatment of Arthur. Parents should always watch something WITH their child to explain any iffy content.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on and give it 4.0

    Cute and fun for all ages

    This isn't my favorite Disney movie. (There are others that surpass this one in many aspects.) But it is very cute and quite enjoyable. I especially like the parts where Merlin transforms Arthur into a squirrel, a fish, and a bird. And the Wizard's Duel between Madame Mim and Merlin is pretty awesome as well. :)

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind

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