 | 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. |
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The Day the Earth Stood Still
- Review Date: July 21, 2005
- G
- Genre: Science Fiction
- 1951
Common Sense Media says
A sci-fi, pro-peace classic with some threats and violence.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that at the core of this film is the powerful, and potentially disturbing notion that because of Earth’s volatility and war-addicted nature, the planet is in danger of self-destructing. The production is old-fashioned, with none of the gore, in-your-face brutality, or heavy realism seen in later science fiction movies. Government and military officials are shown as impulsive and violence-prone; in several action sequences, they threaten and shoot out of fear and without cause. There are tanks, all sorts of guns and weaponry and one character is shot on two separate occasions. An alien vaporizes threatening objects and demobilizes guards. In other suspense-filled moments the leads are seen running for their lives. Set in the 1950s many characters smoke.
What's the story?
In this classic 1951 sci-fi film, a charismatic foreigner lands on Earth, determined to deliver a message of peace despite people's fear and distrust. When a flying saucer lands in Washington, D.C., the army cordons it off. Spectators watch as a panel opens and Klaatu, a human-looking alien, emerges. While he declares his peaceful intentions, a trigger-happy soldier shoots him, provoking Klaatu's indestructible robot, Gort, to vaporize the army's entire arsenal. After escaping from the hospital where he's being observed, Klaatu borrows some earth clothes and seeks out the brilliant Professor Barnhardt, to whom he reveals his mission. He has come as an emissary to warn earthlings that their atomic weapons pose a threat to the peace and security of other planets, and that they must disarm or their planet will be "eliminated." But can Klaatu impart his message to all of the nations' representatives before alien paranoia causes panic?
Is it any good?
One of the finest science fiction movies of the 1950s, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL retains its impact and its dignity half a century later. Hopefully no one will ever try to remake this movie, because the earnestness that drives it would be near impossible to recapture. The effects, understated and very competent, would resemble those in 1999's soulless Lost in Space. So please, movie-remaking people, leave this one alone!
Michael Rennie's striking posture and stern, hatchet-like face make for a convincing alien. Patricia Neal is also admirable as Helen, the woman who unwittingly boards her spare room to him but then tries to help him. Children will find a character to relate to in Bobby, Helen's young son who finds a father figure in the man from space. Released during the Cold War, this film was a rarity for depicting its otherworldly visitor as an ambassador of peace. Though young viewers may find the robot and spaceship unimpressive by modern standards, Klaatu's mission will engage them, and the message of non-violence could spur good discussions about the importance of world peace.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how the alien Klaatu brings the thought-provoking question of world peace to the screen, and how safe our world is today. How do you think alien visitors would be treated today, in the age of films such as Independence Day?
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Fantastic
Day the Earth Stood Still Should be shown once a year to everyone. Topics are big and important to the world. an update should be made every 20 years.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
My favorite since I was a child
I was born in 1953 so I caught this rare gem on TV. Scared me as a child, but was very thought provoking. The acting was great as was the special effects for the day.
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Teen, 16 years old
July 18, 2011
AGE
good
nice movie da new one is beter but tis ws still good
What other families should know:
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Kid, 8 years old
December 28, 2010
AGE
a classic
its a classic movie that is very good.
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Parent of 11 year old
August 17, 2011
AGE
A Great First Sci Fi Movie for Kids
One of the all time sci fi greats. Strong message, and a surprising sub-text I won't give away here. This movie is a great "first" sci fi movie for young kids (7 and up) to introduce them to the movie version of the "literature of ideas," and a movie everyone should see.
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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
An absolute classic
if you in any way consider yourself a sci-fi movie fan, you must see this movie. Not only is it a classi, but you can see how it influenced so many other sci-fi movies to come. Plus, its perfectly fine for everyone.
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Teen, 13 years old
September 29, 2012
AGE
A decent sci-fi classic
For a movie made in the 50's, this movie is surprisingly good. Like the original Planet of the Apes, this film was one of the most intelligent and sophisticated movies of its time, with a nice conclusion to sum it all up. Michael Rennie did a great job of portraying Klaatu, with his strait poster and stern expression. Patricia Neal was okay too, and so was the child actor portraying Bobby. However, the slow pacing was somewhat annoying, especially the part at the end with the robot, which seemed very dragged out. But this is still an entertaining classic that will please nostalgic adults everywhere.
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Teen, 14 years old
May 12, 2013
AGE
epic sci-fi masterpiece has a few violent scenes that young kids can handle
a truly masterful sci-fi epic about peace and violence, The Day the Earth Stood Still contains a great performance from Michael Rennie and effects truly spectacular for a 1951 flick. and although this is mainly drama, it contains a couple scenes that could scare little kids. guns are shown throughout, but only 2 are fired. Klaatu is shot twice, with mild blood visible. Gort vaporizes weapons and later 2 soldiers (onscreen). there is mild peril throughout. a few people smoke heavily.
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| Topics: | space and aliens |
| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | Robert Wise |
| Cast: | Billy Gray, Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Run time: | 92 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 28, 1951 |
| DVD release date: | June 30, 1998 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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