Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
War violence, language in poignant Ukraine conflict film.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Animals in War
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Inspired by true stories, ANIMALS IN WAR is a collection of seven short films created by Ukrainian filmmakers in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as told through the lens of innocent animals caught in the line of fire. Focused on animals in the midst of intense conflict and violence, the collective emotional journey reveals compassion, reflection, awareness, survival, and hope in desperate times.
Is It Any Good?
A compelling compilation of short films capturing the intense, emotional toll of war through the eyes of innocent animals, Animals in War reveals the often overlooked victims of conflict: nature. A collection of visual poetry and expressive allegory, each creative story captures a small window of a country thrown in chaos—and the fragments of hope, compassion, and connection that animals bring to our lives. One part documentary, one part creative outlet, one part dreamscape, these Ukrainian filmmakers desperately urge viewers to feel, reflect, and act upon our humanity's need for community, though some are more successful at storytelling than others. But as a whole collection, this film uncovers an emotional journey that highlights the realization that the consequences of war extend far beyond the battlefield.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the filmmakers chose to tell stories of war through the experiences of animals instead of humans. How does the animals' viewpoint affect your understanding of war?
What did the film teach you about the impact of war on people, animals, and nature? How might the story be different if told through the lens of humans?
Many emotions are expressed throughout this film. What examples of compassion are shown? How is courage displayed? How can ordinary people and animals make a positive difference during times of conflict and war?
Is this film considered a documentary, a fictional story, a combination of both, or something else? How can you tell? Why is it important to compare different sources of information when learning about current events?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 26, 2026
- Cast : Sean Penn
- Directors : Sviatoslav Kostiuk , Andriy Lidahovskyi , Alexei Mamedov , Ivan Sautkin , Yuliya Shashkova , Myroslav Slaboshpytskyi , Maksym Tuzov
- Studio : Film Movement
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Animals ( Cats , Farm Animals , Fish , Ocean Creatures , Sharks , Wild Animals ) , History ( War: Other )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 5, 2026
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