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The Thief Lord (PG, 2006)

common sense media says

Magical orphan drama explores the definition of family.

parents & educators say
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie, based on the book by Cornelia Funke, focuses on two orphaned brothers who run away to Venice to escape the reach of a horrible aunt. They are taken in by the Thief Lord, the teenage leader of a band of runaways whose criminal activities support the gang. Some scuffles pit adults against kids.

Positive messages: Family ties make up the heart of this story, especially a tender and loving bond between two brothers, and a bitter and hostile father-son relationship. Though the Thief Lord is the leader of a gang supporting criminal activities, he also acts as a father-figure to a band of runaway children, and his paternal role is endearing.
Violence: Several scenes that involve small scuffles as adults trying to subdue and capture runaway kids. A few scenes also feature guns.
Sex: Some very mild flirting between teens.
Language: Some relatively tame epithets, such as "skanky old bat," "screw up," and "lying piece of crap."
Consumerism: The movie is an ode to beauty of Venice, and portrays the Italian city as a charming and magical place.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on The Thief Lord

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about family connections. How do you define "family"? Do you need to be related by blood? Do all blood-relatives look our for you? Also, orphanages are a common element in many classic movies and books about unhappy childhoods. Can you name some? Do any of these books or movies romanticize the experience? If so, how?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Determined not to be separated after their mother's death leaves them orphaned, brothers Prosper (Aaron Johnson) and Bo (Jasper Harris) run away to Venice where they are taken in by a teen who calls himself the Thief Lord (Rollo Weeks). This shadowy character serves as a sort-of father figure to a band of homeless children, apparently supporting the makeshift family through his criminal endeavors. The two brothers are welcomed into the gang, despite Prosper's reservations about turning to a life of crime. His concerns are soon tested when the Thief Lord is hired to pull off his biggest job ever, and may require the combined skills of everyone in the group.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The strong brotherly bond between the teenage Prosper and his much younger brother forms the core of this enchanting film, and the story takes pains to examine the meaning of family. As Prosper spends more time with the Thief Lord, he uncovers a huge secret about his new friend's background. Add to the mix the boys' horrid aunt Esther, who has adopted the adorable Bo but finds his brother too much trouble and has consigned him to an orphanage, and it's clear that in this story, families are defined by affection and concern rather than blood.

This is a tough message for children to absorb, but the film pulls it off gracefully by introducing a hint of magic. While the older kids are absorbed in planning the heist, Bo gradually discovers that the object they are seeking may have mystical properties that, initially, only he can discern. Once the rest of the group learns the truth, Prosper and the Thief Lord must make a difficult decision that could change, forever, their relationship to the rest of their improvised family. It's difficult to see these kids forced to make such an adult decision, but it makes for a powerful, and deeply moving, movie that will resonate with both children and adults.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Director: Richard Claus
Cast: Aaron Johnson, Jasper Harris, Rollo Weeks
Genre: Drama
Run time: 98 minutes
Theatrical release: January 5, 2006
DVD release: March 14, 2006
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: language and thematic elements.
This review was written by Will Wade
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Syun Amasi
kid, 11 years old
2
 
Good for kids
I read the book and watched the movie and it seemed magical!
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jansdaughter
adult
9
 
This movie was o.k. to watch as a family. A few darker moments for younger kids (7-8 year olds) though some of the younger kids might enjoy the suspense--the main character's father is a bit scary. Some negative messages about stealing and about parents/caregiver's being unpredictable & kids trying to control their own situations by running away. (Other main characters, Prosper and Bo, run away from an Aunt who's trying to adopt only Bo after their mother passes away.) But it is a fantasy in many respects, the beautiful scenery of the city of Venice helps that element along. I think kids younger than 7-8 wouldn't be able to follow the story line/find an interest in it. I think kids older than 12 would find it unsophisticated (even though they might secretly enjoy it.)
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TheBookWorm101
kid, 13 years old
9
 
A great Movie!
I think this is a great movie! It's filled with adventure, magic, and more! I love it! It's such a thriller!
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)
DeleteMePlease
kid, 11 years old
6
 
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)
aquabooks99
kid, 13 years old
9
 
good, but not like the book.
This was a great family movie and the kind of book I like but it didn't follow the story line as well as I would have liked. It was a little bit violent, but compared to what kids see today, it was nothing.
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MOVIE13
teen, 14 years old
9
 
BORING
this film was boring and moved along very slowly..........ZZZZZZZ
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