Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantasy musical based on Mozart opera has peril, threats.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Magic Flute
What's the Story?
In THE MAGIC FLUTE, Tim Walker (Jack Wolfe) transfers mid-semester to an elite Austrian classical music school. As he's getting used to his new environment, he discovers a portal to another world. In that world, the queen (Sabine Devieilhe) sends Tim -- here known as Prince Tamino -- on a quest to rescue a princess (Asha Banks) and save the mysterious land from succumbing to Eternal Night.
Is It Any Good?
This well-crafted musical fantasy is an excellent way to introduce kids to opera, but it's not quite good enough to overcome the objections of those who aren't keen on formal, classical music. Executive-produced by Roland Emmerich (the filmmaker behind disaster epics like Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow), The Magic Flute boasts production values that are absolutely fantastic, and the approach is creative. Contrasting a modern-day real world with a magical land that seems to exist in a different time works well, creating a Harry Potter-type framework around the fantasy adventure.
Emmerich knows how to make a movie, and he throws in everything that might appeal to kids here: big adventure, a hero's quest, kid vs. giant creature, a silly sidekick, teen romance, triumphing over those who bully others, a princess, and magic. Whether or not your kid goes for this film comes down to one thing: Will they accept the classical singing and opera throughout? It's possible that even the skeptical will perk up when they recognize the familiar "Birdcatcher's Song" and the Queen of the Night's aria, "The Wrath of Hell." And some adults and movie buffs are likely to get a particular kick out of the casting of Tim's strict, berating music academy principal: He's played by F. Murray Abraham, who won the Academy Award for his performance in the Mozart biopic Amadeus.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Magic Flute serves as an introduction to opera and classical music. Were you familiar with any of the songs before watching? If so, did the movie change your opinion about the music?
The Magic Flute was originally performed in the late 1700s. What elements make the story timeless? Does the contemporary storytelling help make an older story more engaging?
Boarding schools and/or dead parents are common elements in films about kids because it allows for a lack of parental supervision. Why do you think writers want to get parents out of the way? What movies have you seen that follow that pattern?
How does Tim demonstrate courage, perseverance, self-control, and integrity? Why are these important life skills?
How does Paolo employ compassion and extend forgiveness to the person who teases him and tortured his friend? How do you feel about empathetic portrayals of those who bully others?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 10, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : May 16, 2023
- Cast : Jack Wolfe , F. Murray Abraham , Asha Banks
- Director : Florian Sigl
- Inclusion Information : Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Shout! Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Self-control
- Run time : 124 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 9, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate