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Wishbone: Bone of Arc (NR, 1995)

common sense media says

A tail-waggingly heroic tale.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this episode offers two concurrent stories with compelling plots and wonderful visuals in the form of vivid historical settings and costumes. Frightening moments are softened -- Joan is shown being burned at the stake, but not for very long. A note at the end of the video shows how movie makers shot Joan with an arrow but did not hurt her, assuaging kids' fears. Grade-school kids are sure to enjoy the action centering around the imaginative dog. But older kids and preteens will better understand the parallel plots and the dilemma behind them. They may also be interested finding out more about Joan of Arc through the Wishbone book, Joan of Arc, or the book the video is based on, Mark Twain's Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc.

Positive messages: Emphasizes the importance of courage in the face of adversity and tells the story of Joan of Arc, one of history's most fascinating heroes.
Violence & scariness: Joan is shot with an arrow but does not die. Frightening moments are softened- Joan is shown being burned at the stake, but not for very long.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: There is a companion Wishbone book you can purchase on Joan of Arc.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Wishbone: Bone of Arc

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the girls' heroic battles. What other girl role models can you think of?

What's the story?

What's the story?
This episode of the PBS television series begins with Samantha's friends David and Joe convincing their soccer coach (David's Dad), to let Samantha on the team to save them from defeat. Samantha's situation turns canine clown Wishbone's mind to Mark Twain's book about Joan of Arc. While Samantha struggles to kick the winning goals for the soccer team, Joan of Arc, with trusty pal Louis, played by Wishbone, marshals troops to defend France from invading England. While each wins her battle, both lose the larger war. In Joan's case, those who accused her of heresy demand her execution and in Samantha's case, the opposing coach's crying foul on a technicality costs her the game and her place on the team.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Bone of Arc reminds us of the original super role model for women, Joan of Arc. In Wishbone's trademark two tales, this episode shifts between Joan of Arc's fight to free France, and present day hero Samantha's fight to join friends Joe and David's soccer team. Both plots tick along quickly and in perfectly timed parallel action. While Joan and Samantha both win at first, they are still both brought down by evil outside forces.

What's nice in this episode is the emphasis on present day girl hero Samantha's supportive friends and family, a congenial mix of people both old and young, male and female, African-American and white. The creators also demonstrate their thoughtfulness by revealing the trick of how the actress Joan of Arc is "shot" with an arrow at the end. Thus relieving fears of younger viewers.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Director: Vincent Brown
Cast: Larry Brantley, Mary Chris Wall
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 30 minutes
Theatrical release: January 1, 1995
DVD release: August 20, 1996
MPAA Rating: NR
MPAA explanation: not rated
This review was written by Nancy Warren
 
 

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tommysportsgirl
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really fun
Wishbone is a great show that teaches a love of literature and and acceptance of people different than you!
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