 | 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. |
The Sword in the Stone
- Review Date: January 10, 2005
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1963
Common Sense Media says
Delightful classic brings Arthur legend to life.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
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.
What families can talk about
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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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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. :)
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AGE
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. :)
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Kid, 11 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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. :)
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AGE
Wihtout a doubt the least creative and accomplished of the animated features made by Walt Disney.
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AGE
Great original Disney Classic!!!
Fantastic, humorous, and highly entertaining film about what King Arthur was taught to make him a great ruler. Great for kids and adults alike! Fantastic family movie!
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AGE
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.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Based on violence
We previewed this movie hoping to share it with our 4 year old daughter. My husband remembered it as rollicking fun. I remembered it being essentially about battles, fighting, sword fights, etc. Within two minutes of the title, both of us were on the same page - absolutely not for OUR 4 year old. In the opening scene, the brothers torment each other something fierce. Sure, kids really do that, but do we need to encourage it?
Was this review useful?
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AGE
Based on violence
We previewed this movie hoping to share it with our 4 year old daughter. My husband remembered it as rollicking fun. I remembered it being essentially about battles, fighting, sword fights, etc. Within two minutes of the title, both of us were on the same page - absolutely not for OUR 4 year old. In the opening scene, the brothers torment each other something fierce. Sure, kids really do that, but do we need to encourage it?
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Kid, 11 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Based on violence
We previewed this movie hoping to share it with our 4 year old daughter. My husband remembered it as rollicking fun. I remembered it being essentially about battles, fighting, sword fights, etc. Within two minutes of the title, both of us were on the same page - absolutely not for OUR 4 year old. In the opening scene, the brothers torment each other something fierce. Sure, kids really do that, but do we need to encourage it?
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, book characters |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Wolfgang Reitherman |
| Cast: | Karl Swenson, Norman Alden, Rickie Sorensen |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 79 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 25, 1963 |
| DVD release date: | June 16, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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