Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Endearing redemption tale has language and violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bad Seeds
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BAD SEEDS, a small boy's entire family is killed in an unnamed Arab country (possibly Iran) by invading armies. In his youth, Wael (Kheiron) survived by his wits, sometimes as a pickpocket, other times by pretending to be blind and begging. He's taken off the streets by a caring nun and is educated in an orphanage until he moves to Paris. He and his adoptive mother, Monique (Catherine Deneuve), run scams, fleecing gullible passersby until one victim, Victor (Andre Dussollier), recognizes her from long ago and makes them go straight. Victor runs a program for kids in trouble at school. He's in a bind and reluctantly puts Wael in charge of his group of troubled kids. Wael breaks through their insolence and protectiveness, earns their trust, and begins to teach them -- about life, about useful skills, and about their harmful prejudices.
Is It Any Good?
This film offers a smart, funny, endearing, and heartwarming plot, the way Stand and Deliver and Lean on Me did before, with a few uneven, even implausible plot turns. While certain elements don't really add up, the inconsistencies don't detract from Bad Seeds' high entertainment quotient. The teasing and affectionate banter between Wael and Monique feels real and unrehearsed, a tribute to not only to the charm and gifts of actors Deneuve and Kheiron, but also Kheiron's sharp instincts as screenwriter and director. Messages are delivered painlessly and viewers will come away with a sense that people can look beyond themselves and their isolating biases to make the world a slightly-better place.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the idea that people who are basically decent and good can still do seemingly bad things. What do we learn about the home life of a guy who has been kicked out of school for fighting? Do we understand him more clearly and think better of him when we see his situation at home?
What does Bad Seeds say about being right? Is there only one way to be right or can people hold opposing opinions and still both be right? What does that say about the way countries in conflict handle their positions in the world?
What parts of the movie surprised you? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 5, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : December 21, 2018
- Cast : Kheiron , Catherine Deneuve , Andre Dussollier
- Director : Kheiron
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Communication
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 13, 2020
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